Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 43: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if farmers wishing to apply for the 2010 organic farming scheme will be required to have completed an approved training course; the action taken to provide approved courses; the potential demand for such courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43455/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Following a review of the Organic Farming Scheme, under which support is paid to farmers in the sector, the Scheme conditions have been amended to require the completion of an approved training course as an essential prerequisite to joining the scheme. This requirement will apply when the scheme re-opens in January 2010 and will apply only to those applicants who have not previously participated in the Organic Farming supplementary measure of the Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Teagasc organic specialist advisors are currently engaged in the provision of the required training courses. A total of twelve courses are being held at various venues around the country up until the end of the year and up to 150 prospective applicants for the Organic Farming Scheme will take part. Teagasc will offer a further ten courses in 2010 which, it is estimated will attract a further 300 participants wishing to apply for the Organic Farming Scheme by the deadline of 15 May 2010. I understand that an independent agricultural advisor will also provide an approved training course in Mallow in early January 2010.