To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of organic farming in Northern Ireland; and what support is available from her Department.

There is currently around 9,000ha of land within the north that is certified organic. This represents approximately 0.9% of the total area of agricultural land.

Higher commodity prices in recent years have resulted in limited premiums at the farm gate for organic produce. This has led to a reduction in the number of organic producers from 224 in 2006 to currently some 150.

Overall, because of the weak market, there has been limited opportunity to expand the sector. Therefore, any further development is likely to be into supplying niche markets. My Department will continue to work with the sector, listen to market signals, and help the sector develop in areas where there are opportunities.

Under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 my Department provided financial support to 39 farmers through the Organic Farming Scheme for conversion to organic production. It also provided an organic maintenance payment to 10 farmers through the Organic Management Option within the NI Countryside Management Scheme.

Furthermore, ongoing technical advice and training courses on growing organic produce are available through CAFRE’s Development Advisers and Technologists. There is a fully operational organic farm at Greenmount College, which farmers can visit to learn more about best practice in organic production methods. DARD Supply Chain Advisers can also provide supply chain and marketing advice.

My Department also offers a wide range of support through various other schemes, which are open to all farmers, including organic farmers.

My officials are currently reviewing what support for the maintenance of organic production may be possible under the new Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.