§ 17. Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what forecasts his Ministry has made for the economic prospects of the organic farming sector over the coming year. [122419]
§ Mr. MorleyEstimates made by the organic sector itself indicate the size of the retail market for organic food to have been just short of £400 million in 1998–99 and project its growth to £1,500 million by 2002–03.
§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farms(a) with registered organic status and (b) in the process of conversion to organic status are likely to lose that status due to the presence of genetically modified crops nearby in the next year. [123076]
§ Mr. MorleyWe understand that no organic farmer is currently facing deregistration because of proximity to a GM crop. However, the organic inspection bodies' investigations are not yet complete.