Increased Funding For Organics Good News, But More Needed on Market Development

IFA Organic Project Team chair John Fitzpatrick said Budget funding of €67m for the Organic Farming Scheme in 2025 is positive.  However, we need to protect organic farmers already in the system as a priority.

“The additional funding will facilitate the re-opening of the Organic Farming Scheme for new entrants.  However, some commodity prices for existing organic producers are under severe pressure and must be addressed.”  

“Good strides have been made in increasing the area of organic production in recent years and the launch of the new organic strategy at the Ploughing Championships was welcome,” he said.

“We are now at a crossroads for the organic sector as we will have additional supply as more farmers complete the conversion process.  However, organic markets and prices are behind conventional in some instances. This must change,” he said.

It is positive that Minister Hackett identified earlier this week that marketing the additional organic product is a Government priority, but existing organic farmers need some security for produce that is already in the system.