§ 5. Mr. Jeremy Corbyn (Islington, North)What support he plans to introduce for organic farmers. [74082]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Elliot Morley)Today I am laying before Parliament regulations that will double the rate of aid for farmers in England converting to organic practices, following approval of the revised scheme from the European Commission. We have also increased support for the organic conversion information service, which advises farmers about conversion.
§ Mr. CorbynI thank the Minister for that reply. I welcome any increase in support for organic farming or improvements in financial support to try to meet demand. Most organic products have to be imported because British farmers cannot meet demand. Is he aware that comparison of expenditure by his Department on organic farming with the investment in biotechnology by his and other Departments shows a £2 million increase in organic farming since May 1997 while £98 million has been invested in other forms of high technology farming that are anathema to those of us who want to develop sustainable organic agriculture in Britain?
§ Mr. MorleyI accept that, so far, support for organic farming has been small compared with the areas mentioned by my hon. Friend. That is why we have doubled the conversion rate. We want to encourage more farmers who choose to do so to convert to organic production. It is partly demand-led: the more farmers want to convert, the greater the proportion of resources that will eventually flow towards them.
§ Mr. Nicholas Soames (Mid-Sussex)Does the Minister accept that anything that can be done to aid and encourage organic farming is greatly to be welcomed? Will he pay tribute to the work of the Soil Association, which has done much to lead the way forward? Does he agree that the most important thing for organic farmers is the confidence that they will be able to sell their goods, particularly when they start out? To that end, will he support all the efforts being made around the country to establish farmers' markets, which provide organic farmers and other small producers with a welcome and valuable outlet? They are having a great impact, to the benefit of the consumer, and need to be further encouraged.
§ Mr. MorleyI warmly welcome the hon. Gentleman's comments. I certainly pay tribute to the work of the Soil Association, which has done much to promote organic farming. I was recently in Suffolk talking to the organisers of a successful local farmers' market, which attracted 2,000 consumers on its first outing. It is something that farmers should explore. My Department will do all that it can to encourage them.
§ Mr. Huw Edwards (Monmouth)I welcome my hon. Friend's announcement on increased aid for organic conversion. Does he agree that local authorities can also play a role in advising local farmers? Will he join me in congratulating Monmouthshire council, which recently held a successful seminar on organic conversion that attracted some 150 local farmers?
§ Mr. MorleyMonmouthshire council has played an important role in promoting that development. There is 488 much interest in organic production. Demand is so high that 70 per cent. of organic produce is imported. We want to give British producers an opportunity to take a share of that market.