§ Mr. CatonTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to introduce measures to encourage farmers to shift to organic production methods. [84562]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesThe Organic Aid Scheme provides direct financial support for conversion to organic production. Subject to the approval of the European Commission, the payments rates available under this scheme will be increased to the following:
4W The Welsh Organic Food Sector Action Plan, launched in March, sets out an agenda for developing the organic sector in Wales, with the aim of encouraging an expansion of organic farming to 10 per cent. of Welsh agricultural produce.
£s per hectare (a) Arable Area Payment Scheme eligible land (b) Improved grassland (c) Unimproved grassland/rough grazing Year 1 225 175 25 Year 2 135 105 10 Year 3 50 40 5 Year 4 20 15 5 Year 5 20 15 5 Total 450 350 50 The Organic Conversion Information Service will continue to provide free advice to prospective organic farmers.
In future, following the transfer of powers, these issues will be a matter for the National Assembly.