Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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214. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of increase in organic production since 2011 and the incentives that are available to encourage same. [41425/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The area of land under organic production has expanded significantly under the current Rural Development Programme, thanks to the suite of supports that have been put in place. Latest figures indicate that there are now some 72,000 hectares under organic production, an increase of nearly 50% on the position at the start of the Programme in 2014.

Production statistics for 2012 compared to 2017 for the following enterprises indicate the increased levels of organic production.

€56 million has been allocated to the Organic Farming Scheme under the current RDP. This scheme provides area-based payments to organic farmers. To reflect growing demand, this scheme was reopened in 2018 to allow for new participants, particularly those in the tillage and dairy sectors.

Under TAMS 2, a dedicated capital investment scheme has been put in place for the sole benefitof organic farmers, providing support for the widest range of equipment and structures of any TAMS scheme.Such investments are eligible for 40% grant assistance, with 60% grant assistance for qualifying young farmers. My Department has also ring-fenced monies for an investment scheme for organic processors. This scheme is wholly state-funded and offers grant aid of up to €500,000 for individual projects. This scheme recognises the importance of innovation and keeping abreast of technological developments. It directs financial assistance toward projects which facilitate the adoption and application of new technologies.