Organic Farming Scheme
The Organic Farming Scheme is funded under Axis 2 of the Rural Development Programme and delivered by DARD.
It aims to protect and enhance the rural environment and encourage and assist farmers to convert to organic farming to help meet consumer demand for organic produce.
It provides payments to help them with the additional costs and loss of income that occurs during the conversion period to organic production.
Who can apply?
The Organic Farming Scheme is open to all farmers and land managers with a Business Identification Number (Business ID) and at least one hectare of horticultural land or at least three hectares of arable, improved and semi-improved land.
What funding is available?
Annual payments vary according to farm size, type of land and crops grown.
How do I apply?
The opening and closing dates for schemes/programmes supported by the Rural Development Programme are advertised and promoted widely. Please check the
When Can I Apply? section of the website for details of what schemes are open for applications. Depending on the scheme, application forms may be available for download.
What happens next?
When the Organic Farming Scheme is open for applications, you should contact us to register your interest and check your eligibility. This can be done using the details below.
If you are eligible for the Scheme, we will arrange to visit your farm. During this visit you will be given an overview of the Scheme rules, your land will be classified, and any documents relating to organic certification will be considered.
If your application is successful, you will offered an agreement which you must sign and return to us. We will then send confirmation that you have entered an agreement and will provide you with a start date. The agreement will indicate the fields that will receive payment, and provide a breakdown of the payment for those fields.
Each land parcel entered will receive a maximum of five payments, provided Scheme obligations are maintained.
Frequently asked questions
What land is eligible for the Organic Farming Scheme?
Only land included on a DARD Farm Business map is eligible for OFS. Land that has already been certified at the time of application as fully organic is not eligible. Any horticultural land, arable land, improved and semi-improved land that has been registered as “in conversion” to organic production after 1 January 2007, and meets the other eligibility criteria, may enter an agreement.
What level of funding is available?
Land classified as horticulture (including top fruit) will be paid £670 per hectare. Arable land at a rate of £570 per hectare and other improved or semi-improved land at £470 per hectare. These payments will be apportioned over the five years.
Can I enter only part of my farm into the Organic Farming Scheme?
Yes. A minimum area of one hectare per application of horticultural land, or three hectares in total of arable, improved and semi improved land, can be entered into the Organic Farming Scheme. It may be possible to enter additional parcels of land into the Scheme under a separate agreement(s) in later years through the normal application process.
