Over 50 new Cavan farmers join organic scheme

Over fifty County Cavan farmers entered the organic scheme this year, replicating the surge in interest experienced nationally.

The figures obtained by The Anglo-Celt from the Department show 52 Cavan farmers joined the scheme. This represents an increase of 23.4% in the total number of the county’s organic farmers. The nature friendly approach has been embraced in Cavan much more than many of its neighbouring counties (see table). Notably only eight Monaghan farmers joined bringing the Farney county’s total up to just 73.

Meanwhile the IFA has raised the issue of payments under the Organic Farm Scheme (OFS) must be addressed.

“The delay in the ACRES scheme has had a knock-on effect as payment must be issued there before the OFS payment can be made. This process is flawed and farmers are suffering as a result,” said Organic Project Team chair John Fitzpatrick.

“A significant number of farmers have yet to receive any payment this year. This is not instilling any confidence in farmers who want to move towards organic farming.”

Mr Fitzpatrick explained that converting to organic farming requires “significant investment” and the two-year conversion period is a volatile time for farmers.

“The Department must act swiftly to issue all outstanding payments to farmers. An interim payment like what was issued under the ACRES scheme must be considered for farmers awaiting payment,” he concluded.