The number of dairy farmers switching to organic has grown by 66% since 2012.

Figures from the Department of Agriculture show that the number of organic dairy farmers increased from 27 herds in 2012 to 45 in 2018.

The number of cattle in organic dairy herds increased by 18,000 over the six-year period, up to 59,000 cattle in total.

Glenisk and the Little Milk Company are two of the main processors of organic milk in Ireland.

Sheep and cereals

The news was not as positive for organic sheep farmers and organic cereal and pulse production.

“With regard to sheep production, organic sheep represented 1.3% of total sheep production in Ireland in 2012 compared to 1.9% of total sheep production in 2016. In 2016, there was 2,304 hectares under organic cereal and pulse production. This figure increased to 2,426 hectares in 2017," Minister Michael Creed said in response to a parliamentary question from deputy Brendan Smith.

The total amount of land under organic production increased but is still considered low in comparison to other EU countries.

Organic

“In 2010, there was 52,370 hectares of land under organic production. There is currently 72,000 hectares approximately under organic production,” Minister Michael Creed said.

Some 225 applications for a new tranche in the Organic Farming Scheme were received last December and figures are expected to be higher once these have been finalised with payments issued this autumn.

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