Mr. Frank Macken:

The question asked by at least two members was on the opportunity to include marginal land in organics. There is a provision within the regulation which speaks about the grazing of common land by organic animals alongside non-organic animals. There are very specific conditions to do that. In short, the answer is yes, there is provision to do this. However the implied question is whether there is a generic approach to all the mountains and hill lands of Ireland. It does not work like that. The rules are specific and confined within the organic regulations so that one cannot break out of that. To avail of this, one must be an organic farmer. The answer is yes, there is provision to graze animals on commonage, but one must be an organic farmer to avail of that opportunity. While the simple answer is yes, in terms of seeking a relaxation from the Commission as a general overall rule for Ireland, that will not happen. Organics is a specific form of food production and within that there are measures and opportunities for farmers. That includes one of them. If the Chairman wishes me to go into the detail, I will, but that is the principle involved.