Ms Joan Furlong:

At the end of 2014, having regard to the old scheme, we already had 125 cereal producers covering an area of 1,375 ha. Under the new scheme, 500 new people are converting to organics for the first time and that accounts for 100 new cereal producers with an area in excess of 730 ha. From a horticultural perspective, we have 202 producers under the existing scheme covering an area of 301 ha. Under the new scheme - and I am speaking in relation to the 500 people who are converting to organic for the first time - we have 97 new horticultural producers covering an area of 78 ha.

With regard to beef, there were 294 herds at the end of 2014. The new entrants to the scheme will bring in a further 145 herds. To put that in context, at the end of 2014, the 294 organic-registered herds accounted for 4,425 cattle. The 145 herds that are currently being converted to organic herds for the first time will account for 3,040 cattle.