Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1963. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the allocation to organic farming scheme in the years 2018 to date; the amount expended; the average payment per recipient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29105/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below outlines the funding allocated to the Organic Farming Scheme, the amount expended and the average payment by year from 2018 to date. The total expenditure figure in 2022 to date represents payments due in respect of the 2021 scheme year.
|
Year |
Funding Allocation |
Total Payment |
Average Payment per participant |
|
2018 |
€10.5m |
€9.8m |
€7,172 |
|
2019 |
€12m |
€9.3m |
€6,078 |
|
2020 |
€11m |
€8.4m |
€5,490 |
|
2021 |
€16m |
€7.8m |
€5,278 |
|
2022 |
€21m |
€1.8m |
€5,278 |
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. My Department, is continuing to progress the actions outlined in the Organic Strategy 2019-2025 to develop the organic sector in Ireland. This sets out ambitious growth targets in line with the market opportunities that exist in the sector.
To assist in achieving these targets I have secured increased budgets for the Organic Farming Scheme for 2021 and 2022. Additionally, under the new CAP Strategic Plan, I have also proposed an indicative allocation of €256 million for the Organic Farming Scheme. This level of funding will facilitate enhanced payments to organic farmers across all sectors, which will further support maintenance and conversion to Organic Farming and assist in achieving our target of 7.5% of land cover under organic production by 2027.
