Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1962. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the payment rate per hectare that will apply to organic farming scheme participants for 2022 and 2023 onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29104/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to further developing the organic sector in Ireland as I am convinced of its importance to the farming and food sector.
The current Programme for Government is committed to aligning Ireland’s organic land area with that of the EU average of 7.5%, which is also consistent with the target proposed by Agri-Food Strategy 2030.
All organic policies are designed to achieve this ambitious goal. As such, under the new CAP Strategic Plan in 2023, I have proposed the allocation of €256 million in funding for the Organic Farming Scheme.
Based on this level of funding, it is my intention to introduce enhanced payments to organic farmers to support the maintenance and conversion to Organic Farming. These enhanced payments will apply from the commencement of the new CAP Strategic Plan in 2023 while 2022 Organic Farming Scheme payments will remain at their current level.
The proposed rates set out in the draft CAP Strategic Plan are:
|
In conversion €/ha |
Maintenance €/ha |
|
|
Horticulture |
600 |
400 |
|
Dairy |
330 |
250 |
|
Tillage |
290 |
170 |
|
Drystock |
250 |
170 |
Based on feedback received from the Organic Strategy forum and the CAP Consultative Committee these rates are currently being reviewed. All rates are subject to final approval by the European Commission. Participants currently in the Organic Farming Scheme in 2022 will be able to avail of the higher rates of payment commencing in 2023 subject to their approval by the Commission.
