Written answers

Wednesday, 4 March 2015

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Organic Farming

Photo of Ciara ConwayCiara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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86. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a grant in respect of organic farmers (details supplied) for a new fodder growing system using organic barley that can produce feed on organic farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9488/15]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Under the Rural Development Programme I have proposed the introduction of a new Organic Farming Scheme to deliver enhanced environmental and animal welfare benefits and to encourage producers to respond to the market demand for organically produced food. The principal support will be an annual area-based payment per hectare over a 5 year contract period.  This rate is comprised of a higher payment for farmers converting land to organic farming for the first time, payable for the initial two year conversion period, with a greatly increased maintenance payment thereafter. The increased payment rates which are proposed for the different organic sectors are designed to compensate for additional costs incurred and income foregone by organic farmers.

In recognition of the high cost of feed in the organic sector I have proposed the inclusion of an additional top-up payment of €30/ha to incentivise the growing of red clover as a source of high-protein, high dry-matter organic fodder and for its environmental benefits as a natural nitrogen-fixer.

In addition to the Organic Farming Scheme, I am proposing a dedicated Capital Grant Scheme specifically for organic farmers. This will be based on the model developed under the last Programme which proved very effective in enabling organic farmers to purchase the specialist equipment they required. My Department has no plans to incorporate a fodder production system into proposed list of grant aided equipment under this new scheme at this time.

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