Publication
Organic Farming
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
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- 1. What Organic Farming is
- 2. An overview of Organic Farming
- 3. Converting to organic production methods
- 4. Regulation of the organic sector
- 5. Organic Strategy Implementation Group
- 6. Organic Demonstration Farm Walks Promotional Video (Teagasc)
- 7. Organic Farming Scheme
- 8. Organic Seed Database
- 9. Designation of Official Control Laboratories in respect of Organic Produce
- 10. Circulars
- 11. Financial Support
- 12. Further Information
- 13. Current Organic Operator Details
- 14. Register of retailers exempt from holding an Organic Licence
- 15. Application for exemption from holding an organic licence for retailer of Organic Produce
- 16. Organic Food and Farming Standards in Ireland
- 17. Organic Imports
Organic farming is a sustainable production system.
It provides the opportunity of an alternative farming system based primarily on balancing inputs and outputs in a 'closed' system. Increased consumer awareness of food safety issues and environmental concerns has contributed to the growth in organic farming over the last few years.
Organic farming requires: the consideration and application of production methods that do not damage the environment; a more respectful use of the countryside; concern for animal welfare and the production of high quality agricultural products.
Organic agriculture is a farming system which relies on crop rotations, the recycling of farm-produced organic materials, that is, crop residues, animal manure, legumes, green manure and off-farm organic wastes and on a variety of non-chemical methods for the control of pests, diseases and weeds. Synthetically compounded fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, growth regulators and livestock feed additives are excluded or severely restricted. The products and methods of genetic engineering are also strictly prohibited.
Organic farmers can access a range of services and information from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
If you are an organic food consumer, the department can help connect you with producers and also understand how this emerging market works. Explore the content below to find out the full list of information available.
Review of Organic Food Sector and Strategy for its Development 2019-2025
DownloadOrganic Farming is a specific system of farming whose aim is to produce quality food in a manner beneficial to the environment and to wildlife. Organic farmers practice farming in accordance with standards, which have been formulated for crop and livestock production. The thrust of these standards is to develop a system of farming that co-exists with other systems, sustains soil fertility and protects the environment, wildlife and non-renewable resources.
Organic production and labelling of organic products is controlled by European and national regulations, that is, European Council Regulation (EEC) No. 834/2007 as amended, which is backed up by Statutory Instruments Nos. 112 of 2004 and 698 of 2007. The EU legislation allows Member States to use private inspection bodies to carry out the inspection and licensing system of organic operators. Four certification bodies are approved to carry out this work in Ireland, that is, Irish Organic Association (IOA), Organic Trust Limited (OT), BDA- Demeter UK and SAI Global Certification Limited.
Organic Farming Factsheet
DownloadOrganic farming involves undergoing a period of conversion in which the land and producer adjust to the organic methods.
The conversion period for the change from conventional to organic farming depends on the type of enterprise which are outlined in the table below:
In certain cases the conversion period may be extended or reduced by the inspection body subject to the approval of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
The time periods required above are initiated by the farmer submitting his/her farming enterprise to inspection and certification by one of the Inspection Bodies outlined above.
Prior to commencing conversion, the farmer must submit an application along with a conversion plan, drawn up by either the farmer or a qualified planner to the inspection body for approval. The farm is then inspected by the inspection body who will then adjudicate on the application. For more detailed information on this process, the farmer should contact any of the approved inspection bodies.
After the required conversion period expires, the inspection body may issue organic status to the farmer (unless conversion period is being extended), which allows the farmer to sell his/her produce as organic.
There is often a financial cost associated with conversion. These costs vary widely according to individual circumstances but would be influenced by some of the following factors:
- output reduction due to changes in production practices
- capital investments in land, machinery, livestock housing
- certification and inspection costs
- loss of some direct support payments, for example: eligibility for livestock headage payments where numbers are reduced, and
- inability to command premium prices during the conversion phase
It is recommended that farmers considering the organic option seek advice on the principles of organic farming.
A major factor that distinguishes organic farming from other approaches to sustainable farming is the existence of internationally acknowledged standards and certification procedures. The standards for organic production within the European Union are defined and enshrined in law by Council Regulation EC 834/2007 as amended.
With effect from 24 August 2000, Council Regulation 1804/99, which supplemented the original Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 (which has been replaced by Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007), brought organic livestock and livestock produce within the ambit of EU rules. These standards have been developed to provide organic producers with clear rules as to how organic food should be produced to meet consumers' demands.
Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 as amended, creates a framework defining in detail the requirements for agricultural products or foodstuffs bearing a reference to organic production methods. The rules not only define the methods of production for organic crops and livestock but it also regulates the labelling, processing, inspection and marketing of organic products within the European Community and the importation of organic products from non-member countries.
In Ireland the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is the competent authority (that is, the department's Organic Unit is based at Johnstown Castle Estate, Wexford) for regulating the organic sector and ensuring that the obligations and requirements of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 as amended are adhered to.
Organic Strategy Implementation Progress Report Qtr 1 of 2022
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DAFM Organic Strategy Update 03.21
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Teagasc Organic Strategy Update 03.21
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Bord Bia Organic Strategy Update 03.21
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Organic Demonstration Farm Walks 2019 & 2020
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Value for Money Review of the Organic Farming Scheme
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Scheme of Grant Aid for the Development of the Organic Processing Industry - Off Farm Application Form
DownloadThe Organic Seeds Ireland website is the official Irish database of organic seed availability. The database is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and managed by the Soil Association, working in partnership with FiBL.
The website provides information on organic seeds, vegetative propagation material and seed potatoes. It is designed to be used by organic farmers and growers to find organic seeds. It also helps certification bodies to authorize derogations and seed companies seeking to market certified organic seeds.
If you search the database and find the varieties you need are not available you must seek a derogation from your certification body before purchasing non-organic seeds.
In accordance with Article 12(1) of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 and EU Regulation 625 of 2017, I wish to formally notify your organisations that the department as the Competent Authority has designated ALS Life Sciences Limited and Eurofins Food Testing Ireland Limited as Official Control Laboratories in respect of organic produce.
Circular 1 of 2022 Organic Imports Exports
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Circular 6 of 2021 – Water Quality – Organic Bivalve Molluscs
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Circular 5 of 2021 - Organic Imports, Organic Exports and New Regulations.
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Circular 4 of 2021 – Avian Influenza – Implications of Continued Housing Requirement for Organic Poultry and Egg Producers
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Circular 3 of 2021 – Retail Exemptions
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Circular 2 of 2021 - Obligations on Importers and First Consignees for organic imports from third countries
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Circular 01/2021 – Notice to all Organic Control Bodies & Importers/First Consignee
DownloadThe organic sector receives substantial direct financial support from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food through the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS)
Organic producers may also qualify for support under the other direct payment and investment schemes, which are open to all farmers. They may also avail of supports offered by various other state agencies, which include amongst others:
List of Organic Advisors 2021
Download[external-link Current Organic Operator Details | https://www.bioc.info/ ]
Register of Retailers Exempt From Holding an Organic Licence
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Application for exemption from holding an organic licence for retailer of Organic Produce
DownloadIncorporating the requirements of EU Regulation (EU) 2018/848 from the Council and the European Parliament in all its amendments and complementary European and Irish rules. Standards written to comply with the requirements of International Standard ISO/IEC 17007
This Organic Standards document is based on the regulatory requirements specified in Regulation (EU) 2018/848 and associated delegated acts. It has been formulated in user-friendly English, which takes full appreciation of the higher standards implemented in Ireland and the sustainability measures anticipated.
Organic Food and Farming Standards in Ireland
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EU Organic Legislation
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