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Organic produce is in demand - not just in Ireland, but all
over Europe.
Combining Organic Farming Scheme payments with REPS payments
and premium prices for produce makes organic farming an attractive
option for farmers.
Teagasc, in association with the Department of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food, has organised a series of 21 organic farm
walks throughout the summer. Teagasc organic farming specialist
James McDonnell said - "The aim of the walks is to show that
organic farming is a great opportunity for Irish farmers.
A well-run organic farm can be very profitable in the current
climate as it complies with good farming practices - and,
when combined with Organic Scheme payments and premium prices
for produce, there is potential for good profit."
Continuing, he said - "Payments for conversion to organic
farming are €212 per hectare for two years and €106 thereafter,
in addition to the basic REPS 4 payments. On a 55 hectare
farm, the Organic Scheme payments amount to approximately
€8,100 per year or €40,810 over five years.
"Organic food is a niche market - but a rapidly growing
one. Most organic produce attracts a price premium and represents
a significant addition to income on organic farms."
In other European countries organic farming is much more
popular and has grown in response to increased consumer demand.
Just 0.9 per cent of agricultural land in Ireland is farmed
organically, compared to 4.4 per cent in the UK - while, in
countries like Italy, Austria, Sweden, Finland and Denmark,
it ranges from between 6 to 13.5 per cent of farm land.
The 21 farms hosting the walks represent the full range of
organic enterprises in Ireland and cover the vegetables, fruit,
cereals, beef, sheep, poultry, dairying and pig sectors. The
latest information on organic production from Teagasc and
the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is available
at the open days.
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