Organic Farming (Conversion of Animal Housing) Scheme

• Conversion, construction or replacement of livestock accommodation including associated fixed machinery and equipment to meet organic standards;
• Storage facilities for farmyard manure;
• Storage of bedding materials.

• Farmers wishing to convert from conventional production to organic production who have lodged an application with an Organic Sector Body
• Farmers in-conversion to organic production
• Existing organic producers who wish to convert further areas of land to organic production
• Existing organic producers

• Be the lawful occupier of the land as either owner or tenant and therefore have responsibility for and control over the farming of that land on which it is proposed to carry out the work.
• Demonstrate a firm commitment to organic production methods, the following being accepted as demonstration of that commitment:
• Being a licensed organic operator registered with an approved Organic Sector Body;
• Possession of a current Certificate of Registration from an Organic Sector Body approved by the Advisory Committee on Organic Standards (ACOS), formerly United Kingdom Register of Organic Food Standards (UKROFS);
• When in the early stages of conversion to organic production, evidence that an Organic Sector Body has acknowledged receipt of an application for conversion of their land to organic production.
• Undertake to continue farming organically for a minimum period of five years.
• Possess the necessary occupational skills and competence for the running of the business. This will be accepted if they have a current full Organic Licence or have been farming for at least five years or have a suitable agricultural or horticultural qualification.
• Be able to demonstrate that the business has a positive net worth and is economically viable supported by a three-year budget demonstrating a positive cash flow.

• Conversion, construction and replacement of permanent Livestock Housing to comply with Organic Regulation (EC) No 1804/99
• Mobile housing for pigs and poultry
• Associated new machinery and equipment
• Provision of Storage for Farmyard Manure on Organic Farms
• Provision of Storage for Bedding Material on Organic Farms
• Grant aid towards professional fees such as architects, engineers and consultants fees, feasibility studies etc, associated with carrying out any work or facility in this Scheme
• Associated works relating to the above investments