John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

That is around 1%. In 1994 it was 5,000 hectares. As I outlined in my reply, there is substantial grant aid for farmers to become actively involved in organic production but they have not availed of this. When I talk to organic farmers, they point out that they find it difficult to get consumers to pay the price they seek for the production of organic foods.

The organic committee that reported in 2003 recommended a number of structures, which have all been put in place. It also made a number of other recommendations, including a census of Irish organic production and work on a national label, which should be available shortly. The seven demonstration farms that were operation in 2004 are to be increased to 12. Teagasc has become nationally involved and has identified advisers at national level to work with farmers in the area of organic production.

As regards the issues raised by the Deputy, we are certainly pursuing them within the Department. Grant aid has been made available and we have made changes in the REPS. Where previously a farmer had to devote his or her entire farm to organic production, now it only needs to be part of the farm. A vocational certificate in agriculture, with an organic option, is offered at Mountbellew College. However, because of the lack of interest by students, we are not in a position to make this viable at the moment. Other organisations are involved in training such as the Organic Centre, Rossinver, County Leitrim, an tIonad Glas, County Limerick, and the centre at Falcarragh, County Donegal. In my county there is the County Wexford partnership which is actively promoting organic farming. Every effort is made within the Department.

The Department is always prepared to re-examine the situation. We are very much in favour of developing the organic sector and reaching the 3% target that the committee suggested should be achieved by 2006. I do not believe, however, that this is practicable.

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