§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the level of Government financial support allocated for the year 1998–99 for(a) organic farming and (b) conventional farming; how much has been spent to date; and how much is expected to be so allocated in 1999–2000. [92405]
§ Mr. RookerThe forecast for the UK for programmes on agriculture for 1998–99 is £762.2 million, and £660.0 million for 1999–2000, of which £1.9 million and £4 million respectively is for aid for conversion to organic farming. These figures are for national expenditure and do not include contributions from the Guarantee Section of the EAGGF. With EAGGF contributions, the figures for aid for conversion to organic farming are £3.8 million for 1998–99 and £8 million for 1999–2000.
In addition, organic farmers are entitled to receive all support payments available generally to farmers.