Extension to closing date for organic scheme applications

The scheme opened on November 3.
Extension to closing date for organic scheme applications

The Organic Farming Scheme is an agri-environment measure under the Department of Agriculture's CAP Strategic Plan.

The closing date for the receipt of applications to the Organic Farming Scheme is being extended to Friday, December 15. 

The scheme opened on November 3.

The scheme is an agri-environment measure under the Department of Agriculture's CAP Strategic Plan.

Minister of State Pippa Hackett said that the series of farm walks, webinars, and demonstration events that have taken place across the country this year have "generated significant interest from farmers in switching to organic farming". 

"To ensure maximum opportunity for those who are interested in applying during the current scheme window, I have decided to extend the closing date by a further week, to Friday, December 15, 2023," she said.

"I have listened to farmers and their advisors on the need for this extension. I understand the pressure agricultural advisors are under and the need for time for farmers to make a fully informed decision about switching to organic farming.

"Farmers are the first ones to experience the impacts of climate change, and have always adapted their farming systems to meet whatever challenges they face."

She added that with high input costs for farmers, the scheme "offers an opportunity for farm families to diversify".

Payments

Drystock farmers entering into a contract could qualify for yearly payments of up to €300 per hectare during the conversion period and up to €250 per hectare when they have achieved full organic status.

Higher payment rates are available for organic horticultural and tillage farmers.

In addition, an annual participation payment of €2,000 in the first year of conversion and €1,400 per annum thereafter has been introduced to support organic farmers.

A total budget of €256m has been allocated to the scheme over the lifetime of the new CAP Strategic Plan.

More in this section

Farming
Newsletter

Keep up-to-date with all the latest developments in Farming with our weekly newsletter

Sign up
Karen Walsh

Karen Walsh

Law of the Land

Revoiced
Newsletter

Sign up to the best reads of the week from irishexaminer.com selected just for you.

Sign up
Lunchtime News
Newsletter

Keep up with the stories of the day with our lunchtime news wrap.

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited