Increase in organic tillage and dairy applications
There were 44 applications from tillage farmers in the latest Organic Farming Scheme, intake while there were eight applications from dairy enterprises.
Demand for organic oats has increased in recent years and with income challenges from conventional tillage systems there has been an increase in growers converting to organic production.
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More tillage and dairy farmers feature in a breakdown of Organic Farming Scheme applicants accepted in to the scheme for 2026. While numbers remain relatively small compared to suckler/beef and sheep they are higher than in recent years.
There were 44 applications from tillage farmers equating to 16.4% of the 269 applications accepted while there were eight (3%) applications from dairy farmers and 10 (3.7%) applications from horticulture enterprises. The higher number of applications is likely stemming from lower farmgate returns and income challenges for such sectors and rising demand for such produce.
Beef and sucker enterprises dominate the 2026 intake with 108 (40%) applications with sheep next up at 86 (32%) applications. There was also seven (2.6%) applications from equine enterprises, four poultry (1.5%) and two yet to be confirmed.
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No clawback on entitlements sold without land in 2026
The Department of Agriculture has issued notification to Farm Advisory System (FAS) advisers informing them that entitlements sold without lands will not be subject to the 20% clawback rule in 2026, after the EU Commission signed off on the request.
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More tillage and dairy farmers feature in a breakdown of Organic Farming Scheme applicants accepted in to the scheme for 2026. While numbers remain relatively small compared to suckler/beef and sheep they are higher than in recent years.
There were 44 applications from tillage farmers equating to 16.4% of the 269 applications accepted while there were eight (3%) applications from dairy farmers and 10 (3.7%) applications from horticulture enterprises. The higher number of applications is likely stemming from lower farmgate returns and income challenges for such sectors and rising demand for such produce.
Beef and sucker enterprises dominate the 2026 intake with 108 (40%) applications with sheep next up at 86 (32%) applications. There was also seven (2.6%) applications from equine enterprises, four poultry (1.5%) and two yet to be confirmed.
No clawback on entitlements sold without land in 2026
The Department of Agriculture has issued notification to Farm Advisory System (FAS) advisers informing them that entitlements sold without lands will not be subject to the 20% clawback rule in 2026, after the EU Commission signed off on the request.
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