Call comes in response to the announcement that the Organic Farm Scheme (OFS) is open for new entrants.
Falling cattle numbers in Ireland and Europe means surplus processing capacity
Adam Woods takes a look at real issues in the organic beef finishing sector.
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The Irish Farmers Journal spoke to farmers and associations involved in the Organic Farming Scheme to see how manageable the conversion to organic is.
It’s hard enough to get a return on conventional beef without a guaranteed market – it is even harder with organic beef.
The highest number of organic farmers, according to Teagasc figures, are in Cork with 529, followed by Roscommon on 441.
There were exotic mushrooms producers, innovative social enterprises and well-established Irish organic businesses among the National Organic Awards prizewinners.
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue and Minister of State with responsibility for organics Pippa Hackett have announced the scheme’s reopening.
The ICSA said that farmers are struggling to complete selected actions under the scheme due to a shortage of vaccines and suitable sheep dip.