Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

136. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the initiatives that his Department is developing to increase the number of organic farms in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60239/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am determined to deliver on the Programme for Government target to reach 7.5% of land farmed organically and key to this is the enhanced budget support for organics of €256 million in our CAP Strategic Plan. 

Increasing the number of organic farms in the State and continuing to build a dynamic organic sector continues to be a priority for this Government. 

The organic sector in Ireland is experiencing considerable growth at present with the area of land under organic production now at approximately 110,000 hectares following the most recent reopening of the scheme. 

I have reopened the scheme in each of the last two years to give every farmer the opportunity to convert to the scheme.  I have introduced changes to the scheme this year by reducing the required stocking rate and also by increasing the area paid at the higher rate from 60 hectares to 70 hectares, measures which I believe will encourage new entrants to organic farming.

These have already had a positive effect. There were 380 new applicants to the Organic Farming scheme which closed for applications in April which is almost a 20% increase in application numbers in comparison to 2021. Altogether this means just under 700 new farmers joining the scheme in the last 12 months.

Earlier this year, to further attract farmers to organic farming, I announced significantly increased payment rates for organic farmers, as well as an annual participation payment.

The Organic Farming Scheme is currently open for new applications with a closing date of 9 December.  Successful applicants will have a contract start date of 1st January 2023 which will further boost the number of farms under organic production in the State.

I am committed to continuing the implementation of the National Organic Strategy 2019-2025 which sets out ambitious growth targets for the sector by aligning it closely with the market opportunities.

We have also provided funding to the Agricultural Consultants Association to increase Advisory support in the sector and Teagasc are committed to continuing their support of Organic Farming through their Advisory Service. This will ensure farmers have access to professional advice to aid in the important decision-making process. 

I have established a new Organic Strategy forum which has met on four occasions in 2022 and the theme of the most recent meeting was “Public Procurement”.  The Forum is also working with Bord Bia to examine the value proposition of Organics and further strengthen its appeal.  Bord Bia have recently appointed a dedicated Organic Sector Manager. The forum is also researching the development of an Organic Trading Hub that will stimulate further market activity in the sector.

A roadmap of activities in advance of 2023 is currently being developed to promote the pathways to organic farming to ensure that we continue to look at opportunities both in the domestic and export markets.

On the market side, I also undertook a trade mission to Germany in July 2022 to coincide with Biofach, the largest organic trade fair in Europe. I will return to Biofach in February 2023 to build on the good work we carried out the trade fair this summer.

A dedicated organic village was introduced for the first time in 2022 at the National Ploughing Championships. This proved to be very successful and helped to ensure high visibility of the sector 

In summary, no previous Government has done more for the development of the Organic sector in Ireland, than this Government and I will continue to work with all stakeholders in order to achieve our common goals. 

2022 was a productive year as we continue to lay the foundation to create a fit for purpose and resilient Organic Sector here in Ireland, and I am looking forward to building on that progress in 2023.