Ireland's ambitious plan to quadruple the organic farming sector must be matched by the same ambition to source and secure new markets for it, according to the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA).

The organisation's organics chair, Fergal Byrne said a strategy to "significantly expand exports of Irish organic produce must be developed in tandem with the push to expand the sector".

“ICSA has always argued for greater numbers of cattle and sheep farmers to be supported in switching over to organic farming.

But he said a coherent plan is required so that there are markets for the additional produce that an enhanced sector will deliver.

"As it stands, we can barely find markets for what we produce already, and our fear is that as more farmers switch to organics that the markets just won’t be there."

“In addition, ABP - the company that has taken control of the organic meat sector here - must be held to account for their failure to drive increased organic meat sales in EU markets.

"All organic farmers, as well as those thinking about switching, will need to see a big commitment from ABP that they will step up to the plate in pursuing new markets for organic beef and lamb.”

In relation to education and training, organic farmers and production systems have been marginalised for far too long, he said.

"If we are serious about expecting to find 6,500 new farmers to reach 7.5% of land under organics then Teagasc will have to allocate the necessary resources to the areas of organic research, training, and advice.”

And barriers to the scheme that have already been identified must also be addressed.

"Current organics regulations require a lie back area which is not available to many cattle farmers. This is a real impediment for many due to the scarcity of straw and massive cost associated to converting yards and sheds to suit the scheme.

"We also know that the high cost of organic ration already makes winter finishing very unattractive.”