Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon TD, has this week announced that there will be approximately 269 new organic farmers participating in the latest tranche of the Organic Farming Scheme this year, subject to them meeting all scheme requirements.

‘Our priority is to ensure the success of the sector as it continues to grow, helping Ireland to increase its production of organic food while also delivering on our country’s ambitious environmental and climate goals.

‘Organic farming is acknowledged within the EU as delivering a high level of environmental performance, as many organic practices automatically contribute positively to soil health and water quality, enhance biodiversity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase resilience, and enhance carbon stocks in soils.’

Ireland’s Climate Action Plan has a target of 10% of land area farmed organically by 2030. The aim is to reach this target by supporting farmers to convert to organic farming through the Organic Farming Scheme, enhanced advisory support, and increased promotion as well as developing market demand.

Organic Farmers must be registered with an organic certification body, be over 18, attend a 25-hour training course in their first-year farming organically, submit a Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application form annually, and comply with organic standards.

More information can be found at the department’s website.