18. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers in Carlow are benefiting from the organic farming scheme or other supports for the organic sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55640/23]

Are farmers in Carlow benefiting from the organic farming scheme or other supports for the organic sector? Will the Minister of State make a statement on the matter?

We currently have a budget of €256 million under the CAP for the organic sector. Organic farming in Carlow has seen significant growth over the past three years. There are currently 33 farmers from Carlow participating in the organic farming scheme. Under TAMS II, farmers in Carlow received grant aid under the organic capital investment scheme, which provides for on-farm investments such as upgrades to agricultural buildings and machinery and facilitates the adoption and application of new technologies. The organic processing investment grant scheme is also available to organic processors. If there are any of those in Carlow, I encourage them to take that up.

I thank the Minister of State. I know the applications for the 2024 organic farming scheme closed on 8 December.

It is tomorrow.

It is tomorrow. Perfect.

It was changed to 15 December.

It was changed to 15 December. Lovely. I welcome that.

We have a huge farmers' market in Carlow which opened in 2004. It is one of the biggest markets in the south east.

Go raibh maith agat.

It is great to see that. I will encourage our farmers to participate in it.