Organic farming in Ireland is on the rise, with more farmers opting for this sustainable and cost-effective approach. The sector offers significant cost reduction and access to support and resources, making it a viable option. The thriving organic market presents opportunities for Irish producers, and the government is supporting the growth with increased payments and targets for organic farming.
The Growing Popularity of Organic Farming in Ireland
Organic farming in Ireland is experiencing a surge in popularity, with more and more farmers opting for this sustainable and cost-effective approach. The sector offers significant cost reduction and access to support and resources, making it a viable option for farmers.
( Credit to: Agriland )
According to Jack Nolan, head of the organics division in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), one of the main benefits of organic farming is the significant cost reduction it offers. This is particularly appealing to farmers as input costs continue to rise.
Mary Lynch, an organic specialist with the Agricultural Consultants’ Association (ACA), believes that the positive attitude towards organic farming is a recent development. In the past, farmers may have been hesitant to embrace organic methods, but now they have access to more support and resources. It has become easier to find organic seeds, feed, and livestock, making the transition to organic farming a more viable option for many.
Thriving Organic Market in Ireland
The organic market in Ireland is thriving, both domestically and internationally. Emmet Doyle, organic sector manager with Bord Bia, highlights the strong demand for organic produce and the need for Ireland to capitalize on this opportunity.
To promote Irish organic products, Bord Bia plans to launch a €2.7 million campaign in key export markets such as Germany, Sweden, Austria, and Belgium. The focus will be on showcasing the quality of Ireland’s pasture-raised organic beef and lamb.
Doyle also emphasizes the importance of educating trade buyers about Ireland’s organic farming systems. To achieve this, Bord Bia intends to bring buyers and media professionals to Ireland for on-farm visits, allowing them to witness the difference firsthand.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Organic Farming Sector
A panel discussion as part of Agriland’s Organics Series explored the challenges and opportunities faced by the organic farming sector in Ireland. The conversation centered around why farmers should consider transitioning to organic farming and the growing market demand for Irish organic produce.
Advisors were also recognized for their crucial role in guiding farmers through the two-year conversion phase. Under Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, there is a target of having 10% of the country’s land area farmed organically by the end of the decade. Currently, organic farming covers around 5% of the land (225,000 hectares) in Ireland.
To support this goal, the government has allocated a budget of €256 million for organics in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan, offering increased payments to farmers. The Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) has seen over 1,000 farmers joining this year, and it is expected that a similar number will apply when the scheme reopens for applications in October.
Encouraging Farmers to Embrace Organic Farming
The Agriland Organics Series has provided valuable insights into the organic farming sector, featuring interviews, farm visits, and panel discussions. The series aims to highlight the benefits and opportunities of organic farming and encourage more farmers to embrace this sustainable and cost-effective approach.
With the growing popularity of organic farming in Ireland, it is important to continue educating farmers about the advantages and supporting their transition to organic methods. By doing so, Ireland can further develop its thriving organic market and achieve its targets for sustainable agriculture.