Extension of closing date for the Organic Farming Scheme to December 15

The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, has announced that the closing date for the receipt of applications to the Organic Farming Scheme is being extended to Friday 15th December, and that applications will continue to be accepted up to this date.

The scheme supports the ambitions set out in Ireland’s Food Vision 2030 Strategy, contributes directly to the achievement of the objectives of Ireland’s 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plan, and makes an important contribution to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, which aims to see the area farmed organically reach 10% by 2030.

Minister Hackett said: “The series of farm walks, webinars and demonstration events that have taken place across the country this year have generated significant interest from farmers in switching to organic farming.

“To ensure maximum opportunity for those who are interested in applying during the current scheme window, I have decided to extend the closing date by a further week.

“I have listened to farmers and their advisors on the need for this extension. I understand the pressure agricultural advisors are under and the need for time for farmers to make a fully informed decision about switching to organic farming.”

The Minister continued: “Farmers are the first ones to experience the impacts of climate change, and have always adapted their farming systems to meet whatever challenges they face.

“I hope the extended closing date will give them time to fully consider the benefits of farming organically.

“In a time of high input costs for farmers, the Organic Farming Scheme offers an opportunity for farm families to diversify, and I would really encourage farmers to consider availing of the high level of supports that my Department is providing for those switching to organic farming,” she said.