Ms Grace Maher:

My apologies; members are well used to the rural network. The Organic Growers of Ireland's membership ranges from small growers operating on a single hectare up to those operating on 40 to 50 ha. All of those certified organic growers are obviously paying a licence fee. As many of the smaller growers are not in receipt of any farm payment, they are not eligible for the organic farming scheme because they are simply too small. Growers on this scale are quite happy to pay a licence fee because having certification gives them access to the organic market. Having a licence opens up market opportunities for growers in the OGI.