Exploring Farm Diversification: Organic Farming and Forestry
Barry Caslin, Energy & Rural Development Specialist, explains how farm diversification through options like organic farming and forestry offers Irish farmers a sustainable way to boost income, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the resilience of their businesses.
Organic Farming
Organic farming presents a diversification opportunity for Irish farmers, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices that exclude synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. By adopting organic methods, farmers can contribute to reducing national greenhouse gas emissions through improved soil health, carbon sequestration, and decreased reliance on fossil fuel-based inputs.
Environmental Benefits
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Organic farms tend to have lower stocking rates and this in turn leads to reduced methane levels at farm level. As chemical fertilisers are prohibited, this results in a significant reduction in Nitrous Oxide emissions from organic farms.
Biodiversity: Numerous studies across Europe have demonstrated that organic farms have higher levels of biodiversity, up to 30% higher in many of these studies. Lower stocking rates, reduced fertiliser and pesticide usage all contribute to increased biodiversity above and below ground.
Water Quality: Reduced stocking rates results in reduced quantities of slurry and farmyard manure on-farm. Coupled with the elimination of chemical fertilisers, means a reduced risk of loss of nutrients to water on organic farms
Economic Opportunities
Premium Markets: Organic products often command higher prices, offering farmers access to premium markets and potentially increasing their income.
Consumer Demand: With growing consumer awareness and demand for organic products, farmers can tap into an expanding market segment.
Grants and Support: The Organic Farming Scheme offers rates of up to €350/Ha for livestock farmers and up to €800/Ha for horticultural growers. Capital grants such as TAMS and OPIGS offer 60% grants to organic farmers for capital projects.
Steps to Transition
Consider and investigate: Familiarize yourself with the regulations surrounding organic farming. Attend organic farm walks and speak to organic farmers/advisors to assess if organic farming is a viable option for you and your farm.
Certification: Obtain organic certification from the recognized bodies to market products as organic and access premium markets. Find out more about organic certification bodies.
Conversion: All organic farms have to undergo a conversion period. For most farmers this is typically a 2 year conversion period. Once the conversion period has elapsed, produce from the farm can then be sold into organic markets.
For more information, visit Teagasc Organics
Forestry
A forestry enterprise offers excellent diversification opportunities for Irish farmers, focusing on the establishment and sustainable management of trees for timber, biodiversity enhancement, water quality and carbon sequestration. By integrating trees and forests into their land use, farmers can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the ecological, aesthetic and economic value of their farms.
Environmental Benefits
Carbon Sequestration: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Biodiversity: Forests provide habitats for a wide range of flora and fauna, enhancing local biodiversity and creating more resilient ecosystems.
Soil and Water Protection: Trees can help prevent soil erosion, improve soil structure, and protect water quality by reducing runoff and filtering pollutants.
Economic Opportunities
Timber Production: Forestry can provide a sustainable source of income, initially through attractive annual premia and later through the sale of timber and wood products, which are in demand for construction, furniture, and energy.
Non-Timber Products: Farmers can also incorporate non-timber products such as mushrooms, berries, and medicinal plants, adding additional income streams.
Recreational and Agri-Tourism: Forested areas can be used for recreational purposes, such as hiking, bird watching, wellness and educational tours, attracting visitors and creating agri-tourism opportunities.
Steps to Transition
Funding and Support: Explore whole farm planning on how forestry options can fit into the farming mix and also available grants and financial support for afforestation and sustainable forest management from government programmes. Planning and Design: Develop a comprehensive forestry plan that includes tree species selection, planting design, and management practices suited to the local environment and land conditions.
Sustainable Management: Implement sustainable forest management practices to ensure long-term productivity, health, and ecological balance of the forested areas.
For more information, visit Teagasc Forestry
Read the full publication: Branching Out - A Guide to Farm Diversification in Ireland
Explore our Rural Development information series as well as available support for farmers