Minister of State, Mr Tony Killeen T.D., today urged Clare farmers wishing to participate in the 2008 Organic Farming Scheme to submit their applications by 15th May next.
The Clare T.D. stated that the introduction of new EU regulations had resulted in a shortening of the time frame within which the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food could accept applications. “Farmers who were coming to the end of existing REPS contracts later this year, and who intended to join the Organic Scheme, should get their applications in by the middle of next month”, explained Minister Killeen.
He said, “Currently REPS 2 and REPS 3 farmers wanting to convert to organics and join the new Organic Farming Scheme must transform to REPS 4. I am aware, however, that the Minister for Agriculture is investigating whether it would be possible to include REPS 2 and REPS 3 farmers included in the scheme. Minister Trevor Sargent has requested his Department to explore the issue with the European Commission as a matter of urgency.”
Minister Killeen added that the new Organic Farming Scheme presented an ideal opportunity for Clare farmers to make on-farm investments.
