The second tranche of the new Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) was launched today, 30 November, by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Tom Hayes. The live system for applications will open on Wednesday 2 December and will remain open for applications until midnight on 31 December 2015.

While the selection criteria for this new tranche will prioritise existing contract holders, Minister Hayes said he is “mindful of the welcome development of continued strong interest among farmers considering the organic option for the first time and this new tranche will also give such farmers an opportunity to apply for the scheme”.

He also announced that for other OFS farmers who are due to exit the existing scheme from 2016 onwards, arrangements will be made by his Department in due course to extend their contracts up to the end of 2020.

First tranche

The first tranche of OFS, which closed on 29 May this year, proved a major success, attracting 870 applications to join the scheme. This level of applications represents the highest number of applications received under any OFS since it was first introduced in 2007.

“While I am delighted with the success of the first tranche, I recognise the need to provide for existing OFS participants who are due to exit the scheme at the end of this year,” said Minister Hayes. “I wish to encourage maintenance and continuity of commitment to organics by these participants to safeguard future levels of organic production.”

Contract

The OFS is an agri-environment measure under the Department’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. The scheme is co-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Farmers enter into a contract for a minimum of five years, with standard rate payments of up to €220/ha a year during the conversion period and up to €170/ha when they have achieved full organic status. Higher payment rates are available for organic horticultural and tillage farmers.