Ireland: Organic Farmers Representative Body formed

Organic livestock farmers in Ireland have formed a new organisation called the Organic Farmers Representative Body. The group was formed since some farmers believe their interests are not being adequately represented and that their inspection fees under the existing organic body are too high, the Irish Independent reports.

Farmer members met with Ireland East MEP Mairead McGuinness, who was alarmed to hear that organic beef and lamb producers believe there was no future unless better supports are introduced. Food Harvest 2020 set a target of having 5% of land under organic production. At this point of time, little more than 1% of land in Ireland is currently under organic management, according to the Irish Independent.

The new body is calling for their annual certification fees to be halved to a maximum of €200 for holdings up to 20 hectares.IOFGA 's general manager Gillian Westbrook claims, however, that Irish certification costs are in line with European averages. The full article is available here: Irish Independent