Payments to 1,200 organic farmers start early

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galway daily news organic farm farmers

Balancing payments to help with cash-flow for organic farmers have commenced early, it has been confirmed.

The payments will see over €1 million paid to 1,200 farmers nationally on organic farms and is part of the government’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

East Galway TD Ciaran Cannon welcomed the confirmation by Minister Michael Creed and said the supports are a vital measure in assisting these farmers in meeting the increasing consumer demand for organically produced food.

“At the present time, there are 1,530 organic farmers in Ireland participating in the Organic Farming Scheme and annual payments under the Scheme amount to approximately €10m with these early balancing payments part of the Department of Agriculture`s COVID-19 response,” Minister Cannon said.

“I welcome the boost these early payments will give to incomes on our county`s organic farms, supporting jobs at a crucial time and supporting the organic sector continues to be a key strategy of the government.”