Irish farmers this week presented the Minister of State with a proposal to achieve a 5% organic agricultural output over the next five years, in an attempt to improve the current government organic scheme.
The Irish farmers and growers association, OIFGA, claim that the development of the organic sector will not only revitalise agriculture but will also have beneficial effects on the Irish economy and in the areas of climate, environment and tourism.
The twelve point plan urges the government to commit 21 million Euro to establish an organic development agency as well as a research and training programme.
There is currently no accredited qualification directly related to organic farming.
Referring to the recent organic scheme launched by the government this month, a spokesperson for OIFGA told the Epoch Times that the there is a greater demand for organic foods than ever before and that Ireland will need to increase the amount of organically grown food to meet market demand without increasing dependance on organic imports.
The current government scheme will increase supply of organic produce by issuing grant aid to conventional farmers that have been traditionally involved in large tillage production in an effort to convert part of their holdings to organic farming.
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