Extension to closing date for organic scheme applications

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.