Minister Heydon announces €55.15 million in payments issuing under the Organic Farming Scheme
- Foilsithe: 8 Nollaig 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 8 Nollaig 2025
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has announced that more than €55.15 million is issuing to 4,858 farmers as the 2025 payments for the Organic Farming Scheme begin today.
Minister Heydon said:
“The timely processing of payments is a key priority for my Department. Payments will be in farmers’ bank accounts in the coming days, and my Department will continue to process as a matter of urgency all remaining cases for payment. These payments are vital to provide the necessary support for conversion to, and maintenance of, organic farming.”
Minister Heydon reaffirmed that applicants from the tillage sector will receive priority access to the Scheme in 2026. The Minister stated:
“I would strongly encourage anyone who wishes to apply to do so before the closing date of Friday, 12 December 2025.”
There are over 5,500 organic farmers participating in the Organic Farming Scheme. Approximately 5.5% of agricultural land is currently under organic production.
Notes to Editor
The Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) is co-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the EU. For more information, visit http://www.gov.ie/cap.
The EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a partnership between society and agriculture that ensures a stable supply of food, safeguards farmers’ income, protects the environment and keeps rural areas vibrant. EU Member States implement the CAP at national level with a CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) for the period 2023-2027.
The overall objective of the Organic Farming Scheme is to deliver enhanced environmental and animal welfare benefits, and to encourage producers to respond to the market demand for organically produced food. A total budget of €256 million has been allocated to the OFS over the lifetime of the CSP.
A guide to the Organic Farming Scheme application process is available on the Department’s website to assist potential applicants at: Organic Farming Scheme.
A chatbot is available on MyAgFood to answer frequently asked questions on organic farming.
Copies of the Organic Farming Scheme terms and conditions are available on the Department's organics page at Organic Farming Scheme.