Irish Organic Association Welcomes Opening of Organic Farming Scheme 2024
03/11/2023 – The Irish Organic Association welcomes the launch of the Organic Farming Scheme 2024, operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The Scheme is open from 3rd November until 15th December 2023. Regular opening of the Organic Farming Scheme is important to allow farmers and businesses to plan and lay the groundwork to take advantage of the opportunities available in the organic sector at home and abroad.
UPDATE: 30/11/2023 – The closing date for Organic Farming Scheme 2024 applications has been extended from the 8th until 15th December 2023.
Gillian Westbrook, Irish Organic Association CEO said, “With Ireland committed to the growth and development of Irish organics over the next number of years, we welcome the opening of the Organic Farming Scheme 2024 to encourage Irish farmers interested in making the move to organic production. Reliable organic farming supports are essential to advance Ireland’s organic product range, from beef and dairy to vegetables and cereals.”
Strong marketing and promotion of Irish Organic production are key parts of the policy toolbox
She added, “Not only is the Irish Organic Association here to work with Irish farmers and businesses who wish to get organic certification and prosper, but it is great to see the Irish government investing in the marketing and promotion of Irish Organic produce through new domestic and international campaigns by Bord Bia. This work is informed by ongoing research of Irish consumers and trade buyers in export markets but also responds to the demands of Irish citizens for Ireland to invest more in organics.”
Notes
For further comment please contact Gillian Westbrook, CEO of the Irish Organic Association tel: 087 7819967, email: gillian.westbrook@irishoa.ie or Stephen Meredith, Head of Policy tel: 089 6160432, email: stephen.meredith@irishoa.ie
The Organic Farming Scheme, operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, is a 5-year scheme supporting farmers financially through per-hectare payments as well as a participation payment to cover additional administrative costs annually for farming organically. Further information about the Scheme, including forms and guidance can be found here.
Retail figures show that demand for organic food has doubled in Ireland and the EU over the last decade. For further details see “The World of Organic Agriculture: Current Trends and Statistics 2023” – the annual edition of organic production and market trends in Europe and worldwide.
Irish citizens have called for more investment in organic food and farming in two Citizens’ Assemblies on Biodiversity Loss (2023) and tackling climate change (2018).