5 steps to becoming an organic farmer
As the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) has recently reopened for applications, Teagasc Organic Advisor, Orla Walsh provides five key steps farmers must follow when transitioning from a conventional to an organic farming system.
Maintaining good output levels through the adoption of organic farming production methods, lower production costs and premium market prices can make organic farming a profitable system. These, coupled with incentives available under the Organic Farming Scheme, contribute to potentially higher margins.
Given the attractiveness of organics, the sector has experienced a large influx of new entrants in recent years; over 5,000 farmers are now farming organically – including just over 1,050 who entered and started the two year conversion process in January 2024. Further new entrants are expected to apply to the latest tranche of the Organic Farming Scheme, which closes to applications on November 29, 2024, and listed below are the key factors they need to consider:
Step 1 – Consider
If you can answer yes to some or all of the questions below, then you should consider switching to organic production:
Animal Systems
- Is your current stocking rate below 2 livestock units per hectare?
- Can your housing be modified to incorporate a bedded lying area?
- Are you in another agri-environmental scheme? Some scheme options may not be eligible for the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) payment
Crop Systems
- Can you incorporate a grass/clover break in your rotation?
- Do you have a source of farmyard manure / slurry on or near your own farm?
- Can you see yourself farming without relying on pesticides and chemical fertilisers?
Step 2 – Investigate
- Get acquainted with the adjustments required by talking to other organic farmers and contacting a local advisor.
- Familiarise yourself with the Organic Standards
Step 3 – Choose an Organic Certification Body
The Organic Certification Bodies (OCBs) provide an inspection and certification service for all Organic Production Units in Ireland. They have been designated and are regulated by the Organic Unit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, and are responsible for upholding the organic standards as defined by the EU. The OCB sends an information pack on request. Further information - including a guide for completing the application, the conversion plan and animal health plan (livestock only) - can be sourced from these certification bodies:
- IOA (Irish Organic Association), Golden Island, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Tel: 090 6433680 | Email: info@irishoa.ie | Web: irishorganicassociation.ie
- Organic Trust, Naas Town Centre, Dublin Road, Naas, Co. Kildare Tel: 045 882377 | Email: info@organictrust.ie | Web: organictrust.ie
Step 4 – Apply to join the Organic Farming Scheme
Having registered as an organic operator with an OCB, you may then apply to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine to join the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS). This requires two separate online applications
1). Submit Organic Farming Scheme application online on Agfood.ie (see figure 1 below)
Figure 1: Screenshot of Agfood.ie indicating location of where to apply for the Organic Farming Scheme
2). Choose “in-conversion” or “organic” land parcels on BISS (Basic Income Support for Sustainability) application ONLINE during BISS Campaign (figure 2).
Figure 2: Parcels classified as organic during the BISS application process
Step 5 – Complete an Approved Training Course
An approved Organic Farming Principles Course must be completed as part of the Organic Farming Scheme requirements. For information and booking details on courses visit: www.teagasc.ie/organics
Contact us
For more information about the Teagasc Organic Programme, visit here.