HC Deb 14 July 1992 vol 211 cc622-3W
Mr. Dafis

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to make representations to the European Commission calling for a postponement of any decision relating to the EC directive on organic foods at the Commission's meeting on 23 July.

Mr. Curry

The Council of Agriculture Ministers agreed at its meeting on 13 and 14 July to postpone the effective starting date of the regulation on organic foods, from 23 July 1992 to 1 January 1993.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to seek amendments to the European directive on organic foods to ensure that permanent safeguards for small shops and operators are built into the directive.

Mr. Curry

The EC regulation on organic foods applies to anyone engaged in the growing, processing and importing from countries outside the Community, of food to be labelled as "organic". The regulation will provide safeguards to consumers, as well as to bona fide growers and processors, that food sold as organic has been grown according to a recognised standard. We have no plans to seek special arrangements for any group.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will outline Government funding of organic farming and conversion schemes for the last two years; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Curry

No specific schemes are currently available for organic farmers although of course they can make full use of support schemes available to farmers generally. The agri-environment part of the CAP reform agreement will provide a framework within which aid could be given to existing organic farmers and those wishing to convert. Proposals for such scheme are currently under consideration.