§ Mr. Allen McKayTo ask the Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food, if in considering measures being taken to help the farming industry, he will give financial support to encourage organic food production and sales.
§ Mr. Gummer[holding answer 28 June 1988]: This Department is already encouraging the development of organic food production in a number of ways; through our initiative on the United Kingdom register of organic food standards in setting production standards, through the provision of specialist advice; and through our general research programme which includes topics such as nitrogen fixation and biological control as well as specific projects on organic farming. We are also studying the scope for the implementation of the EC extensification scheme where conversion to organic farming may be a possible option. In addition, those farming organically benefit in the same way as other farmers from the various agricultural support measures.