July / August

2009 July / August

The May deadline for entry into the organic farming scheme brought in an additional couple of hundred applicants. While any increase in numbers is good to note, it falls far short of what is needed to meet government targets in three years time.

Given the rising costs of conventional agriculture and the additional premium available, one would expect greater numbers converting. Traditional farming conservatism, economic uncertainty and lack of hard information are some of the reasons for the slow progress. There are also disturbing stories of farmers still being actively discouraged from conversion by individual state and private planners.

Post EU and local election government policy reviews are promised. If the 5% conversion target is to be met, then the plan for organic farming needs serious revision by the year end.

It is past time to look at establishing an agency specifically to promote organic farming. We can begin by looking at our close neighbours in Wales and Northern Ireland. The Organic Centre Wales is a combination of agencies providing support and information for organic farming. At present, almost 10% of Welsh agricultural land is organic. Likewise in Northern Ireland the Department of Agriculture and the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise have come together to provide information and help for converting farmers.

The benefits of organic farming are obvious and they address so many of the issues facing us currently that it makes no sense to ignore its potential.

Cáit Curran, Editor