Prospects for the development of organic farming in Ireland

In the current context of global market fluctuations and climate change, the Irish agricultural sector is facing the need to rethink its production model. To date, the country is a major importer of fossil fuel-based fertilizer, consuming the highest amount per hectare in the EU according to Eurostat data. The use of nitrogen fertilizer mixed with minerals contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for more than 20% of total agricultural emissions in Ireland per CSO statistics.

The transition to organic farming is viewed as an alternative to the existing system. This method involves abandoning synthetic pesticides and mineral fertilizer in favor of restoring soil biology and the natural resistance of plants to disease. Proponents of this approach note that such a transformation requires time for farm practices to adapt and ecosystems to recover. The 2021 experience of Sri Lanka, where a sudden ban on the import of chemicals led to negative consequences, is cited as an example of the risks of an ill-considered transition.

Ireland is already working in this direction: in 2020, the share of organic land was 1.6%, currently this figure has reached 5%, and a target level of 10% is planned to be achieved by 2030. At the moment, about 5,500 farmers have already switched to an organic farming system. Expert circles have discussed ideas for expanding these ambitions to a transition to 100% organic production by 2050.

According to forecasts, the global organic produce market, which amounts to about 150 billion euros per year, could grow to 575 billion euros by 2034. Developing the organic sector could have a positive impact on water quality, biodiversity, and the environmental profile of Ireland, as well as help avoid problems associated with the use of GMOs in feed and pesticide residues in food products.