Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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606. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the direct integration and compatibility mechanisms proposed for afforestation and the organic farming scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47279/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) is included in the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP). Due to the long-term nature of forestry, it is considered the best option to continue to deliver the Forestry Programme entirely separately from the CSP, subject to new State Aid rules rather than the requirements of the CSP regulations.

Afforestation is recognised as contributing to the creation of a valuable landscape mosaic at farm-level. As such, it is expected that parcels which are included in an OFS contract can be converted to forestry during the OFS contract period without penalty. Furthermore we are currently examining the potential for the integration of Agroforestry, which is land-use option that is positive for animal welfare and biodiversity, with organic farming.