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CATTLE AND SHEEP FARMERS MUST BENEFIT FROM INCREASED FUNDING FOR ORGANICS SCHEME

Oct 13, 2021 | Latest News, Press Releases | 0 comments

ICSA Organics chair Fergal Byrne has welcomed the increase in funding to the Organics Scheme announced in Budget 2022. “Increasing the funding to €21m annually and opening the scheme to new applicants again next year is a step in the right direction. However, Minister Hackett must ensure that the Organics Scheme is just as available to beef and lamb producers as it is to other sectors.”

“The whole organics sector needs considerable investment and that must include the cattle and sheep sectors. The most recent calls for applications under the Organics Scheme prioritised the tillage, dairy, and horticulture sectors – while access for cattle and sheep farmers was restricted. This was very unfair to the many drystock farmers out there willing make the switch to organics.”

Mr Byrne said a drive to secure adequate markets for organic produce must also be done in tandem with the widening of the scheme. “Consumer studies across Europe suggest that the market opportunity is far greater than the size of the supply. It should no longer be a struggle for us to find markets for our organic beef and lamb supplies. There is no doubt that Ireland can be a world leader when it comes to organic produce but tapping into all new market opportunities is key.”

ENDS

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