INHFA says 'equal access and support' must be provided to all farmers willing to transition to organic farmingA comprehensive review of the Department of Agriculture’s Organic Farming Scheme has been called for by the INHFA. Unfortunately, he says, the minimum stocking rate “is not the only issue of concern”. “The EU Farm to Fork Strategy proposes that at least 25pc of the EU’s utilisable agricultural area under organic farming by 2030. "New farmers applying must also be given clarity and should not have additional compliance costs with no assurance of entry to the scheme,” he said. The Organic Farming Scheme reopened to new entrants earlier this month, with 400-500 new farmers expected to join the scheme due to an additional €4 million secured in Budget 2021.

Source: Irish Independent March 18, 2021 07:24 UTC