Organic Farming Scheme

On September 18th Minister Sargent announced the results of the review of the Organic Farming Scheme which was suspended in July 09. The following criteria will apply to people joining the Organic Farming Scheme in January 2010.

For people who do not currently have organic certification:

– Applicants must complete a 25 hour FETAC Level 5 training course run by Teagasc (for information on locations and times contact Pat Barry 087 2138331)
– As part of the course applicants will submit a 5 year business plan for their organic enterprise

For people who currently have organic certification and are in REPS 2 & 3 and wish to join the Organic Farming Scheme

– Applicants must submit a short business plan outlining their current markets and a short plan for the future

Please note that if you are currently in reps 2 or 3 you will not have direct access to the organic farming scheme when your current reps plan finishes. The organic farming scheme will be operated on a first come first served basis until the money allocated to the scheme runs out.