Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Both the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) and ACRES terms and conditions advise that farmers may participate in both schemes, but for certain actions, payment will be foregone in OFS in order to avoid double funding.

As per the ACRES terms and conditions: “Organic Farmers can apply for the ACRES General approach under Tier 1 provided they are registered with, and approved as an organic operator by, one of the Organic Control Bodies by the closing date for applications under the relevant Tranche of ACRES. Where there is risk of double-funding, the payment under the Organic Farming Scheme will be reduced accordingly to avoid a double-funding situation”.

As per the Organic Farming Scheme terms and conditions: “farmers participating in ACRES may also participate in and draw down payment under OFS but may not claim payment in OFS for certain ACRES actions. (See Annex 6 & 7 for list of OFS payment allowable on ACRES Actions).” This was also highlighted at the information sessions that took place around the country in the lead up to the implementation of the new CAP Strategic Plan.