Only 55 applicants were accepted into the organic scheme after 225 farmers applied. The successful farmers were 25 tillage, 16 beef, 12 dairy, one horticulture and one sheep farmer. Overall, beef farmers make up the highest proportion of farmers and the Department stated it would give more weight to tillage and dairy farmers during the application process last year.

The number of unsuccessful farmers to the scheme included 73 beef, 27 sheep, five tillage and one horticulture farmer. The Irish Organic Association is urging unsuccessful applicants to appeal the Department’s decision if they feel they have decent grounds for appeal.

Ireland remains the third-lowest country in the EU for its proportion of land in organics. Just over 74,000ac was in organic production in 2017, accounting for 1.7% of the total agricultural area.

Flawed system

Nigel Renaghan, IFA organics team chair, has called for a meeting with Minister Andrew Doyle to discuss the rejection of over 75% of applications.

“The OFS opened last November and closed within a four-week period, and now the majority of applicants have been rejected. This is despite many having made significant investments to convert to organic farming. It’s a flawed system that led farmers up the garden path and is a huge blow. I am encouraging farmers to appeal the decision,” said Renaghan.

The Organic Farming Scheme is an important measure under the RDP. Farmers sign up to a contract for five years, with standard payments of up to €220/ha during the conversion period and up to €170/ha when they have achieved full organic status.

Nigel Renaghan said the latest figures indicate there are 72,000ha under organic production, an increase of nearly 50% since the start of the programme in 2014. There is currently a deficit in organic produce in Ireland, especially in horticulture, cereals and dairy.