Written answer
Organic Farming
The €256 million allocation is fully committed after rapid growth; post-2027 planning will support expansion across sectors, including dairy, with no reopening date stated.
792. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether additional funding can be made available to facilitate a further intake under the organic farming scheme in 2026 or 2027; the number of prospective applicants who have completed approved organic farming training but cannot enter the scheme; whether particular consideration will be given to dairy farmers seeking to convert to organic production; and the earliest anticipated reopening date. [73933/26]
Comment on this
Under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027, €256 million was committed to developing the organic farming sector in Ireland. Based on current and approved members of the Scheme and associated 5-year contracts, this funding is fully committed.
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.
My Department does not hold records on the numbers of people who have completed organic farming training, as they may do this and never be a part of a scheme. It is only required by my Department when they are accepted onto the Organic Farming Scheme.
Work is ongoing to plan for the Organic Farming Scheme under the next CAP programming period post 2027. This includes a focus on supporting growth in organic production across all sectors including the dairy sector.