How to apply to the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) 2018

The Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) is an online application so in order to join you must complete the following steps;

• Contact IOA for an application form, once this is submitted you will receive your organic licence number
• On receipt of your completed application form, conversion plan, maps, soil analysis results (within the past 5 years) and ORG1 form, the IOA will immediately notify the Organic Unit of the Department that you have a licence number
• All farmers must register for the Organic Farming Scheme using the Department online services by going to www.agfood.ie
• Once you have your organic licence number you can then proceed and complete your online application to join the Organic Farming Scheme.

The IOA will then send out an inspector to your farm, following this your application form will go before our internal certification panel and if everything is in order, you will be granted your in-conversion licence. All operators must complete a 2 year conversion period. Two years from your start date you will receive your full organic licence if you are compliant with the organic regulations.

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New Organic Farming Scheme Payment Rates

*The higher horticultural rates will apply to the first 6ha only and thereafter the standard rates apply up to 60ha and a reduced rate in excess of 60ha.

**The higher tillage rates will apply to the first 20ha only and thereafter the standard rates apply up to 60ha and a reduced rate in excess of 60ha.  An additional €30/ha is available for red clover up to a maximum of 10 ha per annum.