Clare Farmers Urged To Join New Organic Farming Scheme

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.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)