791. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the decision not to reopen the organic farming scheme to new applicants in 2026; whether this decision is consistent with the Government's targets of 7.5 per cent of agricultural land under organic farming by 2027 and 10 per cent by 2030; the current percentage and total hectares of agricultural land under organic production; and whether revised projections have been prepared for achieving these targets. [73932/26]

I am fully committed to the development and growth of the organic sector in Ireland, in line with our targets set out in the National Organic Strategy and Climate Action Plan.

Under CSP 2023-2027 the growth in organics has been exceptional. Between 2023 and 2026 the number of farmers in the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) grew from 2,090 to 5,573, an increase of 266%, which includes over 260 new entrants in 2026. Currently approximately 248,000 hectares or 5.5% of utilisable agricultural land is under organic production.

Under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027, €256 million is committed to developing the organic farming sector and based on current and approved members of the Scheme and associated 5-year contracts, this funding is fully committed.

I am aware that the demand for organic food in major export markets continues to grow. My Department is continuing to engage with the Organic Strategy Forum to ensure that Ireland’s processing capabilities and marketing strategies are in place so that organic production reaches the end consumer in Ireland or overseas. I have provided new funding for the Organic Processing Investment Grant in Budget 2027.

In addition work is ongoing to plan for the Organic Farming Scheme under the next CAP programming period post 2027, and this includes a focus on supporting growth in organic production across all sectors.