§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the financial incentives which presently exist to encourage tenant farmers to switch to organic production. [62425]
§ Mr. MorleyA comprehensive review of the rates and the structure of aid to farmers for conversion to organic production methods was produced in April 1998. A copy was placed in the Library of the House. The review included a detailed analysis of the cost of conversion of different farm types. Tenant farmers were not identified as a group requiring separate treatment within this analysis. As a result of the review a substantial increase in the payment rates and other measures designed to improve support for the organic sector was announced on 30 July 1998,Official Report, columns 466–67.