Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I do not want the Deputy throwing cold water on the option and it does not help anyone to rationalise the reasons in that way. Some farmers may be familiar with existing arrangements with their co-operatives. Only two dairies operate under the organic system, one of which is a good deal larger than the other. There are hopes for another operation closer to the Border. Ironically, this does not dissuade people in Northern Ireland from producing organically and selling milk to a creamery in the midlands. Clearly, it is not a disincentive in that regard. In addition, some farmers have invested in slatted units and other aspects of conventional production and may be reluctant to turn their back on it. There are many relevant factors.

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