Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) Re-opens for Applications

News | 04 Jan 2010

Farmers and growers who wish to convert to organic production can avail of payments under the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS).  The scheme is also open to organically certified operators whose REPS 3 contracts are fully completed or organic operators in REPS 4 who have not yet made application for payment under the OFS or organic operators who have never availed of any payments under REPS.

The Scheme has re-opened for applications with effect from 01.01.2010, following its suspension in July 2009. 

New applicants to the organic farming sector must complete an approved 25 hour course plus a business plan (completion of the requisite business plan forms an integral part of the approved 25 hour course for new entrants to the organic sector) - details of the approved courses are available from Pat Barry, Teagasc Moorepark, 087 2138331; Dan Clavin, Teagasc Athenry, 087 9368506; Elaine Leavy, Teagasc Grange, 087 9853285 and James McDonnell, Teagasc Oakpark, 087 3293820 or you can download details of the initial courses for 2010 by Clicking Here

Producers who are already farming organically under REPS 3 and who are in possession of a current organic licence can avail of payments under the Organic Farming Scheme provided their REPS 3 contract is fully completed.  Producers who are currently in REPS 4 but who did NOT make application for payment under the Organic Farming Scheme at the same time as their entry to REPS 4 can now make application for payment under the new scheme.  Finally, organically certified operators who have never availed of payments under REPS can now make application for payment under the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) provided they can comply with the application criteria.

Current organically certified operators wishing to make application for payment under the Organic Farming Scheme are exempted from completing the mandatory 25 hour training course, however, there is a requirement to complete a short business plan which must be submitted with OFS application documentation - the template for the business plan is available from the link below.

Further information on the scheme, including the relevant terms and conditions plus the template for the required business plan, is available from the Organic Unit of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food at Johnstown Castle - 053 91 63465.  Forms can be downloaded by clicking http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/organicfarming/organicsscheme/organicfarmingscheme2007-2013/