Organic Farming - A Feasible Option

There is potential to increase the area under organic farming in Ireland to meet the increased demand for organic produce. Less than 1% of agricultural land in Ireland is farmed organically, but additional REPS payments combined with premium prices make it a feasible option for farmers.

Teagasc in association with the Department of Agriculture are organising a series of 15 Organic Farm walks over the summer. The first farm walk will be held on Stuart Kingston’s farm, at Forrest House, Farnanes, Co. Cork on Tuesday 23rd May at 7.00 p.m. Stuart farms 60hectares (150 acres), producing cereals and running a weanling to beef enterprise on the grassland area.

Organic Farming researcher at Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Ger Shortle said “The aim is to give as many people as possible direct access to successful organic producers. A well run organic farm can be feasible in the current climate, as it will comply with good farming practice, and when the additional REPS payments are combined with premium prices there is potential for good profits."

He said “payments to convert a farm to organic production are available and are worth approxizmately two thirds extra, in addition to the basic REPS payments, over the five years of the plan. On a 55ha farm the extra organic payments would amount to approximately €7,000 per year, or €35,000 over five years.”

“Organic food is a niche market but a rapidly growing one. Bord Bia studies show growth in the Irish organic food market, and estimate it was worth €66 million in 2004. Most organic produce attracts a price premium, and it represents a significant addition to income on organic farms,” said Ger Shortle.

The 15 farms which are hosting the farm walks represent the full range of organic enterprises in Ireland covering vegetables, fruit, cereals, beef, sheep, poultry, dairying and pigs. The latest information on organic production from Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture and Food will be available at the open days listed below.

In other European countries this way of farming is much more popular and has grown in response to the increasing consumer demand. Just 0.7% of agricultural land in Ireland is farmed organically, compared to 4.4% in the UK, while in countries like Italy, Austria, Sweden, Finland and Denmark it ranges between 6% and 13.5% of farm land. There is, therefore, potential for growth in the sector in Ireland.

Teagasc/Department of Agriculture and Food