The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) will hold three organic farming events ahead of the reopening of the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) in October.
The IFA has organised farm walks and information days to provide farmers with information on options available in organic farming.
Ahead of the events which will start next week, organic project team chair of the IFA, John Curran, said: “These events will be an excellent opportunity for anyone who is considering entering organic production.
“Information will be available from the IFA, Teagasc advisors, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine officials and organic farmers.”
Farmers who are considering organic farming as an option are welcome to attend the following events:
- Thursday, September 29 at Tullyhouse Organic Farm, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, F94P798;
- Thursday, October 6 at the farm of John Curran, Fordstown, Co. Meath, C15XD76;
- Wednesday, October 12 at the farm of Sean O’Farrell, Cloncannon, Co. Tipperary, E53AE27.
All events will be held from 3:00p.m-6:00p.m, according to the IFA.
Organic Farming Scheme
Minister of State for land use and biodiversity Pippa Hackett has confirmed that the new OFS, with funding of €256 million, will open for applications in early October, and will remain open until the end of November.
Minister Hackett said: “Farmers should avail of the latest advice from their farm advisor and check out the farm walks nationwide in the run-up to this opening.
“I would also encourage them to check out the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) calculator available on the department website to see their potential payment under the new OFS,” she added.
Minister Hackett recently welcomed that 336 new applicants who applied earlier this year have been approved and this will add 16,000 new organically farmed hectares of land in Ireland.
A new Organic Village, a collaboration between the department and the National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS), is one of the exhibits at the 2022 National Ploughing Championships.
Minister Hackett said: “For the first time in [the history of the Ploughing], a dedicated Organic Village will feature prominently on site, showcasing the thriving organic sector across a broad and diverse range of exhibition stands,” according to the minister.