269 new organic farmers are due to participate in the latest tranche of the Organic Farming Scheme this year.

Ireland's Climate Action Plan has a target of 10% of land area farmed organically by 2030.

The Organic Farming Scheme is an agri-environment measure under the department's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan which is co-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the EU.

The scheme provides financial support for farmers converting to or maintaining organic production.

Organic Farming Scheme

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon said that the new organic farmers will be participating in scheme this year, subject to them meeting all requirements.

"I am delighted to welcome these new members into the Organic Farming Scheme, and I wish them well on this exciting new journey for their enterprises.

"My department continues to support farmers in their conversion to organic farming.

"Our priority is to ensure the success of the sector as it continues to grow, helping Ireland to increase its production of organic food while also delivering on our country’s ambitious environmental and climate goals," he said.

Organic farmers must be registered with an organic certification body, be over 18, attend a 25-hour training course in their first-year farming organically.

They must also submit a Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application form annually and comply with organic standards.

Minister Heydon added that "organic farming is acknowledged within the EU as delivering a high level of environmental performance".

He said "many organic practices automatically contribute positively to soil health and water quality, enhance biodiversity, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increase resilience, and enhance carbon stocks in soils".