Tillage Farmers Advised to Consider Organic

Organic tillage could be a profitable option for some of Ireland's growers, according to a leading Teagasc expert.

Tom Thomas, Head of the Teagasc Research Centre at Oak Park, Carlow, told the Teagasc National Tillage Conference (Wednesday, 31st January) that increasing concern about food safety, protection of the environment and animal welfare as well as increased disposable income of a high proportion of consumers will lead to a continuing growth in demand for organic food.

"While the organic market will not exceed 10% of food production in the short-term, it is a growing niche market which farmers should seriously consider."

"Organic farming in Ireland has expanded in recent years, due largely to incentives under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS). However, it still accounts for only 1% of the total farmland. Furthermore, much of the demand for organic food produce and the feed needed for organically produced animals is currently imported," he said.

He said that Teagasc has now in place a comprehensive research, advisory and training programme in organic food production to support farmers who wish to get involved in what is now a relatively profitable farming system.

"Our advice to farmers is not to involved until they have acquired the necessary organic skills and have the markets and price premia which ensure an attractive income," he urged.

Tom Thomas said the ban on the use of meat and bone meal in animal feed and the reluctance to use genetically modified soya bean represents an opportunity to grow more protein crops in Ireland.

"Teagasc research has shown that the acreage of protein crops such as peas and beans could be expanded, provided good yields are achieved and the price is sufficiently high to give worthwhile returns to growers. Our research is also showing potential for lupins as a protein crop. However, we have found that the main type of soya bean available is not suited to growing in Ireland," he said.

He said that EU policy as currently framed does not encourage production of protein crops and proposed that priority should be given to this in the forthcoming review of the Common Agricultural Policy.

"The demand by consumers for food safety assurance is now placing greater responsibility on farmers and processors in the handling and storage of cereals which are used directly as food or fed to animals. In this regard, the new grant scheme being introduced by the Department of Agriculture to upgrade storage facilities at farm and grain merchant level will ensure the quality the wholesomeness of Irish cereals," he said.

For the full proceedings of the National Tillage Conference, click here