§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the comparative costing of (a) organic, (b) bio-dynamic, (c) permaculture and (d) conventional intensive agricultural systems where the external costs have been internalised; if he will list the results of that research; and if he will make a statement. [29253]
(2) what research on permaculture has been (a) evaluated and (b) commissioned by his Department; what plans it has to evaluate or commission such research in the near future; and if he will make a statement. [29254]
§ Mr. BoswellWe fund a wide range of research into the environmental aspects of conventional farming, to support our aim of protecting and enhancing the environment. We also have an organic research programme which so far has concentrated on evaluating the agronomic and economic performance of that system. As yet, no research has been commissioned of the specific type noted in these questions.
Comparative work in this area is inherently difficult and subjective, not least because it requires a precise definition of the systems being compared, identification of the various cost factors, and a reliable technique for their valuation. We are considering a study of these methodological issues, in relation to a comparison of organic and conventional farming. Bio-dynamic agriculture is regarded as a form of organic farming, but we do not have a specific policy or research effort in relation to permaculture.