Organic lock-out hits up to 100 farmers on cusp of conversions
Tuesday July 14 2009
MORE than 100 farmers who were awaiting approval to convert to organic farming have been locked out of the scheme.
The Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA) says the decision to suspend grant aid could result in Government targets -- of having 5pc of land under organics -- not being met.
The announcement by Trevor Sargent TD last Thursday came two days after he issued a statement "expressing his delight" at the numbers attending the Department's organic farm walks and showing interest in converting their farms.
He said due to the substantial increase in the number of applications, those already processed would fully use up the funds allocated for this year.
"My decision to suspend the schemes for new applications is based not only on the current budgetary situation but also on my belief that such enterprises are viable commercial operations with a target market that continues to grow," he said.
He added that suspension would be reconsidered at the earliest opportunity "having regard to the evolving budgetary situation".
However, IOFGA spokesperson Grace Maher said the decision showed a lack of understanding of the current agricultural climate and could reduce the number of farmers who will convert their operations.
"We are disappointed with the short notice given and it was not very fair to issue the deadline," she said.
"Although we remain 100pc behind the fact that it is a viable option, it is still in its infancy and we have a lot of operators who might not be where they are if they did not have that assistance."
Ms Maher said there was a deficit in the horticultural area: "There are very few organic vegetable producers who would not have poly tunnels regardless of the scale of their operation and they need access to funding for this investment."
- Majella O'Sullivan
