Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In order for targets to be achieved, annual subtargets need to be set. We need to know what the long-term vision is for this sector. As well as direct investment in supporting farmers, which the Minister of State knows we welcome, we also need to see greater ancillary investment, particularly ring-fenced funding for both Bord Bia and Teagasc. We need to have advisers and researchers for those making the conversion. We also need to provide them with the assurance that when they produce the high-quality organic food, they will be able to sell it and receive a premium for it. One of the reasons we keep getting questions about organic farming is because when people look at the climate action plans, the annex on actions regarding organics is very worrying. There is a single page with some positive steps but it is not nearly comprehensive and ambitious enough to give farmers the assurance that if they make the leap towards organic, they will be fully supported by Government at every step.

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