Teagasc will play a key role in a major European innovation project to develop practical solutions within the organic farming sector across the continent.

Teagasc’ said its involvement in the Organic Farming Innovations Network Europe (OH-FINE) project "will help generate new research and on-farm knowledge to support the continued development of the organic sector in Ireland and across Europe".

As part of the project, three practical field trials will take place in Ireland, addressing key challenges identified by organic farmers.

A pea/bean intercrop trial in Co. Wicklow will evaluate different seed ratios of peas and beans. The research will examine how varying combinations affect overall yield, protein content, crop standability and the crop’s ability to compete with weeds.

A second trial, conducted across three organic farms, will focus on low-disturbance establishment methods for multi-species swards, examining how such techniques influence soil health, biodiversity, and pasture resilience.

A third study will examine forage maize production on organic tillage farms. The trial will investigate the effects of sowing depth, planting timing, variety selection and mechanical weed control strategies, with the aim of maximising crop establishment and yield under Irish conditions.

OH-FINE

The OH-FINE project is designed to empower farmers and advisers by developing and sharing sustainable organic farming practices that respond to farmer capabilities, consumer expectations, and evolving food market trends.

The project brings together 18 partners from nine countries and is funded by the EU along with the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation.

The overall objective of OH-FINE is to provide European farmers and smallholders with knowledge and tools for competitive organic farming.

It focuses on strengthening farmers' capacities while responding to consumers' needs.

The initiative promotes sustainable farming practices by adapting to evolving food market trends.

Organically farmed land

Ireland aims to increase its organically farmed land to 10% by 2030, driven by the Climate Action Plan and the EU Farm to Fork strategy.

As of 2024, approximately 5% of Irish agricultural land is organic, marking a significant rise from 2.2% in 2022.

The national Climate Action Plan 2025 sets a target of 10% of all agricultural land to be farmed organically by 2030.

Intermediate targets include 7.5% by 2027, supported by increased funding in the Organic Farming Scheme. 

A key objective of the National Organic Strategy launched in late 2024 is to triple the value of Irish organic produce to €750 million by 2030.