No Opening of Organic Farming Scheme 2014

Despite supposed growth plans of 5%  by 2020, and despite significant growth in many European markets, markets which could carry Irish organic produce, it seems the Department has little faith in the potential of organic farming.

this far and no further, organic farmers!

According to organic certification body the Organic Trust's latest newsletter, no Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) is to open for new entrants in 2014. It is also the case that some farmers have been waiting 12 months for full payments, while there has also been no carry over of OFS contracts ending in 2013 into 2014.

Suffice it to say the organic sector is not feeling front and centre in the Department's plans at present.

The Organic Farmers Representative Body, which represents some 150 organic farmers, mostly in the Galway and Roscommon region, claim that “while most farmers have received 75% payment for 2013 there is a major problem with the final 25%.” They add “a significant number of farmers are waiting for the final installment.”

The organisation cites a paperwork delay between AES offices and the Department: “there is a problem with local AES Offices submitting paperwork for payments to Johnstown Castle.  This should have been processed in 2013.  When our group recently contacted Johnstown Castle in relation to Castlebar and Athenry Offices, they informed us they had not received the paper work. This is totally unacceptable to Organic Farmers that while all other schemes have been paid and dealt with organic farmers are still waiting for 2013’s payment. This is typical of the total lack of commitment or interest in Organic Farming.”

When queried the Department replied:

“There is no major problem with the final 25% payment. More than half (595) of farmers eligible for an OFS payment have received their full OFS payment in respect of 2013. A further 15% (i.e. 179) have received a 75% payment and their balancing payments are currently being processed where documentation has been received by the Department and all is in order.”

They continue “Of the farmers that are awaiting payments the majority have been delayed as a result of incomplete submission of documents required for payment to be processed e.g. OFS 2 forms (end of year declaration) and organic licences.  Requests for the submission of these documents have been made by local office staff directly to the farmers.  Absence or incomplete versions of these documents are causing the majority of the administrative delays when processing OFS payments. When required documentation is received payments are processed as a matter of urgency. It is anticipated that the majority of outstanding OFS payments in respect of 2013 will be processed within the next month.”

This is not the only state-related financial issue for organic farmers at present. There may be leakage of personal out of the OFS because of expired contracts, and the lack of an OFS for 2014.

According to organic certification body the Organic Trust, it has “been pressing the Department for some time to allow producers whose OFS contract expired on 31st December 2013 to extend their contract for a further year in the absence of the re-opening of the new OFS (organic farming scheme) in 2014. Regretfully, DAFM (Department) confirmed that this will not be possible despite their best efforts.”

They continue: “When the Organic Trust first suggested the proposed extension, DAFM indicated that they were favourably disposed towards it but emphasised that it would need to have universal Departmental and government approval before it could be confirmed. Regretfully for a variety of reasons such an extension cannot be accommodated under current EU and Departmental rules.”

This will effect around 180 farmers. These farmers will have to decide whether to stay certified organic but without a payment, or to drop certification.

When queried on this issue, and on entire Department and government support, the Department replied: 

“The OFS contracts in question expired on 31 December, 2013.  Based on legal advice received the extension of contracts is not possible.”

So some farmers are unable to carry over their 2013 contracts, some farmers are still waiting for 2013 payments, and no farmers will be able to join the OFS in 2014. As the 1980s one-hit-wonder by Timbuk3 said: “the future's so bright, I gotta wear shades”.

certification department OFS organic

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