Organic farm walk series commences this week
With approximately 200,000ha now under organic production, Teagasc is hosting a series of farm walks to showcase the operation of organic farming systems.
With 2,000 new entrants to organics in 2023, and many more farmers considering this production system, these events are an excellent opportunity for existing, recently joined and prospective organic farmers to interact with Teagasc advisors, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine representatives, the organic certification bodies and the host farmers. Farmers and members of the public are invited to see organic farming in practice and to meet and speak with producers and sector experts.
Commencing on April 4th, with the first walk happening in Co. Kerry, these events will occur on a mixture of suckler (both store and beef), sheep and tillage farms. The topics for discussion include the requirements for animal hosing under organics, making quality silage, weed control and grassland management under an organic farming system.
With a target of having 10% of land area under organic production by 2023 – in line with the Climate Action Plan - and the planned reopening of the Organic Farming Scheme later this year, these events are an opportunity for those considering organics to interact with and seek clarity on what the conversion to organics would potentially mean to their holdings.
Details of your nearest organic farm walk are available here.