Organic farmers must comply with several important requirements

In order for farmers to receive support payments for organic farming, it is important to note that several important requirements apply.

One of them is the requirement for a certain amount of income from organic farming. The requirement for income per hectare will be introduced gradually, for the first time the RSS together with the certified farmers will review this norm this year. If it is determined for the first time that there is no such income, then there will only be a warning, the second time the payments will be reduced by 10%, and in the third year they will be 25% of the amount of organic support. BLA must ensure minimum income no later than the second year of farming. In 2017, they must be at least 170 EUR/ha, income for 2016 or 2015 will be considered. From 2018, income from organic farming must be at least 200 EUR/ha, income for 2016 and 2017 will be considered. The year with the highest income indicator for the farmer will be chosen.

The limitation on increasing commitments must also be taken into account. Existing organic farmers can additionally apply for organic support for an area not exceeding 10% of the current approved BLA commitment area. If the increase is more than 10% - the RSS will calculate the organic support for the entire eligible area, which will not exceed 10%. This limitation does not apply to other support payments.

Under the BLA measure, new commitments can be made in 2017 only for areas of vegetables, potatoes and permanent crops, as well as in cases where the farm was certified for the first time in 2016 but did not apply for payments (for the area certified in 2016, without crop restrictions) or in 2017 the farm was certified for the first time to implement projects for young or small farmers.

Source: RSS