HC Deb 10 April 1989 vol 150 cc363-4W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he is currently funding into organic farming.

Mr. Ryder

The following projects are currently being funded by my Department:

  1. 1. Winter wheat: disease control in crops grown to organic standards (ADAS).
  2. 2. Winter wheat varieties and seed rates for organic systems (ADAS).
  3. 3. The nitrogen cycle on organic farms. (University College of Wales—Aberystwyth).
  4. 4. The use of under sown forage legumes in cereals for nitrogen accumulation in organic arable systems. (Elm Farm Research Centre).
  5. 5. The availability of water insoluble phosphate and potash sources in organic farming systems. (Elm Farm Research Centre).
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  6. 6. Mixed cropping of cereals and grain legumes (in organic farming). (Reading University/Elm Farm Research Centre).

In addition, other research funded by my Department is relevant because it is directed at reducing the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides, or improving the use of organic wastes from animals and crops.