Course - Introduction to Organic Production -  Pre-Requisite for entry to the Organic Farming Scheme

News | 20 Jan 2010

The Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) was re-launched on 01.01.2010. This scheme provides payments for operators who wish to convert their holding to organic production and also to existing organic operators who have completed their REPS 3 contract.  For new entrants to organic farming, two new pre-requisites to entry to the organic system will prevail.

Firstly, each individual considering conversion to organic production must have undergone an approved course dealing with the rules and regulations of Organic Farming - this MUST be a Fetac Level 5 accredited course in Organic Production or a course which is deemed to be equivalent to such a course - see the terms and conditions of the scheme for full details relating to the latter.  Secondly, each individual must complete a 5 year viable business plan in relation to their proposed organic enterprises.

Teagasc are now hosting a series of 25 hour FETAC accredited courses in Organic Production.  On completion of the course, participants will be proficient in:

*  Interpreting organic standards
*  The principles of organic production
*  The origin and history of organic production
*  Assessing the economic viability and market opportunities of organic production (an integral part of this module will be the completion of the required 5 year Business Plan which will be necessary to be approved for payments under the OFS).

These courses will qualify applicants for entry to the Organic Farming Scheme which has been re-launched from 01.01.2010.

All courses will run from 10 am to 4 pm one day per week over five consecutive weeks.  The cost of the course will be two hundred euro which must be funded by the participants, however, it is important to appreciate that included in this cost will be the production of the mandatory 5 year business plan which is necessary to gain entry to the OFS Scheme.  Once completed, the business plan must be verified and signed off by an Agricultural Advisor/Agricultural Consultant (i.e. a person with a primary degree or higher qualification in agricultural science). 

Further information regard the dates and venues for 2010 courses is available from http://www.teagasc.ie/events/2010/20100223.asp