Mr. Colm Hayes:

The Deputy's question is an important one, if I understand it correctly, in regard to support for farmers who want to convert their practices. This goes back to the point about the role the advisory services play, be they public or private, in their engagement with the farmer, and the role the organic certification bodies play as well. It is, essentially, a two-year conversion period for farmers. It is achievable and manageable, with a path well worn by those who have made the conversion, and the organic certification bodies and the advisory bodies know what they are doing in that regard. We need to ensure that farmers going into it are well aware of all aspects of the requirements as they go through the process. That is an important role we can play. We can invest and support the advisory service to enable it to do that.

The organic certification bodies are there as well. There are a number of supports for farmers. I would share the Deputy's overall concern if there were a lack of support for farmers who are considering converting and feel that they are not ready or prepared and are being rushed into it. We need to look into that.

We do a great deal in terms of support. For example, we hold annual farm walks which farmers can attend and visit farmers who have already converted. That peer-to-peer learning is very important. The Minister has also asked us to consider the issue of organic-specific knowledge transfer groups. Again, that type of peer-to-peer learning on organics would be very important. It is an initiative farmers would be able to relate to and understand and they could ask the relevant questions as well. It is about having as much, and the broadest range possible, of supports for any farmer that is opting in. I agree with the Deputy's main point. It is very important.