OFS
What is OFS?
The Organic Farming Scheme is an Agri-environment scheme that opened in 2008. It is a voluntary scheme that aims to protect and enhance the rural environment. It encourages and assists farmers to convert to organic farming to help meet consumer demand for organic produce. The Organic Farming Scheme, together with the N Ireland Countryside Management Scheme, is funded under Axis 2 of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 ![[external site]](extlink.gif){kind=small} (RDP) and part-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). The budget available for the agri-environment programme is £219 million.Who can apply? |  |
The Organic Farming Scheme is open to all farmers and land managers with a Business Identification Number (Business ID) and at least one hectare of horticultural land or at least three hectares of arable, improved and semi-improved land.
What funding is available?
Annual payments vary according to farm size, type of land and crops grown. When can I apply?
Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew has recently announced that the scheme will open later in 2010. The opening and closing dates the schemes will be advertised in the local press and announced on the RDP website.Full details of the scheme can be found in the OFS Booklet.
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