Organic Farming Scheme 2026

The Organic Farming Scheme has just been announced for 2026, and here is what you need to know.

Scheme Overview

• 5-year contract
• Scheme opens 19 November 2025, closes 12 December 2025
• Contract start date is 1 January 2026

Who Can Apply

• Must be an active farmer, registered with DAFM’s Organic Unit and an Organic Control Body (OCB)
• Must hold an organic licence before applying or by the contract start date
• Minimum land area: 3 ha, or 1 ha for horticulture (with exceptions for smaller commercial units)
• Must submit BISS annually and declare all land in your name
• Must complete the 25-hour Approved Organic Training Course (unless completed previously). Deadline: 1 October 2026

Selection & Prioritisation

Applicants are ranked by a points system due to limited funding. Priority groups include:

• Tier 1: Horticulture only
• Tier 2: Tillage and/or dairy
• Tier 3: All others

Plus extra marks for:

• Female farmers
• Young farmers (<41)
• Larger organic area
• Mixed farming
• Higher stocking density
• Full conversion over partial conversion
• Sectoral balance (tillage, horticulture, dairy, livestock)

Payments

Per-hectare rates (Years 1–2 in conversion / Years 3–5 fully organic)

Up to 70 ha, then reduced rate after 70 ha.

Participation Payment

• Year 1: €2,000
• Years 2–5: €1,400/year

Additional Payment Rules

• Stockless arable producers must crop ≥50% of area for full payment
• Livestock holdings must meet ANC stocking-rate rules (0.1 LU/ha unless derogated)
• No payments for: commonage, rented land, grazing rights, farmyards, roadways, forestry (except agroforestry)

Key Conditions

• Annual BISS application = annual OFS payment claim
• Land must be under the applicant’s control for the full contract (owned or leased for ≥5 years)
• Mixed conventional/organic allowed but with strict rules (different crop species or animal species)
• Record-keeping required (OFS accepts OCB records)
• On-farm inspections without notice

For further information or to apply, get in touch:

• Phone: 085 839 1019
• Email: atempleagriconsultancy@gmail.com

Read the full terms and conditions on gov.ie →