Organic Farming Scheme 2026

The Organic Farming Scheme has just been announced for 2026, and here's what you need to know;

Scheme Overview:

· 5-year contract

· Scheme opens 19^th November 2025, closes 12^th December 2025

· Contract start date is the 1^st of 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 othersPlus 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

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 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