ORGANIC FARMING
Organic Farming is a specific system of farming whose aim is to produce quality food in a manner beneficial to the environment and to wildlife. Organic farmers practice farming in accordance with standards, which have been formulated for crop and livestock production. The thrust of these standards is to develop a system of farming that co-exists with other systems, sustains soil fertility and protects the environment, wildlife and non-renewable resources.
Organic production and labelling of organic products is controlled by European and national regulations, i.e. European Council Regulation (EEC) No. 834/2007 as amended, which is backed up by Statutory Instruments Nos. 112 of 2004 and 698 of 2007. The EU legislation allows Member States to use private inspection bodies to carry out the inspection and licensing system of organic operators. Five certification bodies are approved to carry out this work in Ireland, i.e. Institute of Marketecology (IMO), Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA), Organic Trust Limited, BDAA-Demeter UK and Global Trust Certification Limited.
ASSISTANCE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SECTOR ORGANIC FARMING SCHEME
The Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) is the support scheme for organic farmers in Ireland. TThe overall objective of this Scheme is to deliver enhanced environmental and animal welfare benefits and to encourage producers to respond to the market demand for organically produced food. To be eligible for this measure, farmers must be licensed by one of the five certification bodies approved by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, must also register with the Organic Unit of the Department and farm organically for a minimum period of 5 years.
SCHEMES OF GRANT-AID FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ORGANIC SECTOR
Development grants are available under TAMS II both to farmers and to processors The on-farm and off-farm Schemes provide grant aid for new equipment and facilities for production, preparation, grading, packing, storage, distribution and sale of organic products. Details are as follows:
Grant aid of 40% for investments over €2,000;
Maximum on-farm grant aid of €80,000 payable over the duration of the scheme.
TAMS II Scheme of Grant Aid for Development of Organic Sector
Further information is available from the Organic Unit, Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food, Johnstown Castle Estate, Wexford.
Lo-call: 1890 200 509 or 053 9163400, Fax: 053 9143965 or e-mail: organics@agriculture.gov.ie
– Organic Farming
– Organic Milk Production Detailed Rules
– Application Form Organic Milk Producers