It is believed the main issue up for discussion will be the common approach to non-authorised residues in organic products. Member States are also divided over the frequency of inspections.

A number of Member States, including Ireland, oppose the introduction of harmonised EU limits on non-authorised substances. These countries argue that it is unfair on organic farmers to be held responsible for contamination when it might arise involuntarily from a neighbouring farm or further down the food chain.

Speaking in the Dáil last week, Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney said the new measures are "too ambitious" and could impact the development of the organic sector in Ireland.

It is hoped these talks will pave the way for delegations to agree on a ‘general approach’ for the reform at next month’s Farm Council in Luxembourg (June 16).

According to Eurostat, Ireland has one of the lowest shares of organic farmland in the EU. Austria has the highest percentage at 19.5%.