HC Deb 14 November 1996 vol 285 c356W
Mr. Martyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list for each year since 1994(a) what forms of financial aid was available exclusively for organic farmers in Northern Ireland, (b) what administrative procedures was required for its acquisition, (c) how much money was earmarked, (d) what percentage of the money annually earmarked was received by farmers in that year; and if he will make a statement. [2368]

Mr. Ancram

[holding answer 4 November 1996]: No aid was available prior to 24 April 1995. Since that date, farmers have been able to apply under the organic aid scheme for financial aid covering the five-year period of conversion from conventional to organic farming. The aid provided to cover income foregone during the period of conversion.

To obtain aid, a farmer must register the land as in conversion with the UK register of organic food standards—UKROFS—or a body approved by UKROFS, and follow detailed prescriptions set out in the scheme.

The financial provision for this scheme for 1995–96 is £60,000.

To date, the scheme has attracted only one participant, but no payments have been issued.