Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 March 2022
850. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current hectarage of land under, or in conversion to, organic farming; the associated reduction in fertiliser use expected as a result of achieving a rate of 7.5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15910/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently there are approximately 93,000 hectares of land farmed organically in Ireland, of which 9,600 hectares is undergoing the conversion process at present.
The use of synthetic chemicals, fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides are all prohibited in organic production systems. Organic manure is the only permitted fertiliser for use on organic farms as outlined in the EU organic regulations. Organic farm management practices such as crop rotations are an essential part of successful organic production to help maintain soil fertility, reduce weeds, pests and disease.
Analysis by the Department has found that the level of climatic benefits derived from the conversion to organic farming resulting from the elimination of chemical N fertiliser and associated management changes is 0.1MT co2eq/annum reduction per 100,000 ha. Consequently achieving our target of 7.5% would equate to a reduction of 0.337MT co2eq/annum. A reduction of approximately 14000 tonnes of nitrogen is expected if all land converted has been extensively farmed. This figure would increase if more intensively land is converted to organic farming.
Under the new CAP, I have proposed the allocation of €256 million for the Organic Farming Scheme, with enhanced payments for each sector. I am confident this will assist in achieving an organic land area of 7.5%, during the lifetime of the CAP.
