A new scheme to provide thousands of euros in support for producers of organic food they convert their land was today announced by the Government.
The Organic Farming Scheme encourage producers to respond to the market demand for organically-produced food.
It will also deliver enhanced environmental and animal welfare benefits, said Trevor Sargent, Minister of State with responsibility for Food and Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture and Food.
Co-funded by the EU and the Irish taxpayer, it means that for the first time organic farmers can receive funding without being part of the new Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS 4) launched earlier this week.
"I see this as an important change," said Mr Sargent. "Up to now, organic farmers had to be in REPS to get support payments.
"Some farmers might have considered the organic option, but didn't find that joining REPS as well would have suited their particular situation."
Mr Sargent said small-scale horticultural producers, or large-scale conventional tillage producers who might be interested in converting part of their land to organic cereal production, would benefit.
He said the Government's commitment to convert a minimum 5 per cent of acreage to organic farmland by 2012 was challenging but achievable, adding the new scheme should attract more conventional producers to go organic.
An organic farmer will now be able to qualify for up to €21,650 during the conversion period and €15,860 a year with full organic status with REPS.
While those who do not join REPS will still qualify for up to 11,660 euro during the conversion period, and €5,830 a year once he or she has full organic status.
Mr Sargent lunched the scheme at the County Wexford Organic Centre in Cushinstown where he was attending an organic farm walk, where he also unveiled the County Wexford Farmers' Market website.