The European Commission’s proposal on organic farming regulations is “too ambitious” for Ireland, according to the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney.
The Minister said that the proposal could curtail the development of the sector in Ireland and may act as an impediment to farmers wishing to convert to organic production.
The proposal does not sufficiently reflect the varying stages of development of the organic sector at individual Member State level, he said.
“Organic farming makes a significant positive contribution to the overall agri-sector in Ireland both from an environmental and economic perspective.
Bord Bia research has shown that there is a market demand for Irish organic beef, lamb, fruit, vegetables and cereals and currently the sector is contributing over €100m to the Irish economy.
However, the Minister also said that a significant percentage of the Irish organic food market is comprised of imports.
“The organic sector therefore offers real opportunities for Irish farmers and food processors in the form of import substitution in areas where Ireland is under-producing at present, and the large export markets such as the UK and Germany,” he said.
The proposal was first introduced in 2014 and while there are many elements in this proposal that are welcomed, every Member State, without exception, had issues of concern, the Minister said.
- Introduction of a risk-based control regime and the proposal to remove the requirement for the annual inspection by the Organic Control Bodies.
- Harmonisation of residue sampling, analysis and action thereby establishing a minimum threshold for pesticide residues above which the product cannot be sold as organic.
- The removal of the current flexibility where a farm can, under very specific conditions of separation, produce both organic and non organic products on the same holding.
- Severe restriction in the reduction of the conversion period.
The Minister was responding to a parliamentary question from Deputy Mattie McGrath about the position Ireland is adopting as part of the current EU negotiations regarding the organic farming regulations.