§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what steps she is taking to encourage suppliers to make greater use of domestically produced organic produce; and if she will make a statement; [31297]
(2) what studies she has made of the organic produce and supply industry in the UK; and if she will make a statement. [31298]
§ Mr. MorleyWe have already made considerable support available to encourage conversion to organic farming, which has increased the quantities of UK organic produce available. The action plan for organic farming, which we will be developing with the stakeholders in the348W light of the recommendations of the Policy Commission, will address the opportunities for UK producers to supply a higher share of the UK market for organic food.
§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the(a) value and (b) proportion of organically grown produce, broken down by category, that was (i) imported and (ii) domestically produced for the UK market in each year since 1990. [31296]
§ Mr. MorleyThe best estimates we have are as follows:
Total retail value of UK organic market £ million 2000 2001 Cereals and bakery products 67 93 Dairy 106 148 Multi-ingredients 97 125 Meat 24 40 Eggs 31 39 Baby food 24 49 Beverages> 24 40 Fruit and vegetables 230 268
Percentage of UK retail market supplied by UK product 2000 2001 Cereals and bakery products 25 20 Dairy 60 65 Multi-ingredients 20 20 Meat 70 55 Eggs 100 90 Baby food 35 50 Beverages 15 20 Fruit and vegetables 15 15 We do not have information for previous years.