County Galway · TEAGASC
Key statistics and developments in organic farming in Ireland and the South-East region.
Ireland’s agriculture is dominated by grass-based dairy, beef, and sheep systems, which account for most land use and output.
Organic farming has grown strongly since the 1990s, supported by EU and national policies and rising demand for sustainable food. It now represents about 5.7% of agricultural land and over 5,700 farms, with targets of 7.5% by 2027 and 10% by 2030.
Most organic farms are beef and sheep enterprises, as they adapt well to low-input systems, while dairy and tillage are harder to convert. Farmers must complete a two-year conversion process, certification, and training before joining the Organic Farming Scheme.
Main challenges include limited processing capacity—leading to some organic livestock being sold as conventional—and a lack of specialised research and advisory support compared to conventional farming.
