§ Ms CorstonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of organic farmland on farmland bird populations. [7478]
§ Mr. MorleyA MAFF funded research project on this subject, undertaken by the British Trust for Ornithology and the Institute of Arable Crops Research, was completed in March 1995. The report provided some evidence that organic farming can lead to an increase in the number and diversity of bird species compared to conventional farms. We are aware that organisations such as the British Trust for Ornithology consider that more research into this issue is justified. We will consider any proposals for future research from such organisations alongside other research priorities.
The Department also funds a wider-ranging programme on the effects of agriculture on the environment including research on the impact of agricultural intensification on farmland birds. These projects are contributing to a better understanding of the possible causes of difference found in bird populations on organic and conventional farm-land.
§ Ms CorstonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the research into organic farming methods conducted at his Ministry's plant breeding stations; and what proportion of his Department's research budget for organic farming is constituted by funding allocated to these establishments. [7474]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Ministry has no plant breeding stations. However, we are currently funding some research on plant varieties suitable for organic farming.358W This is being undertaken by the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB). This work will cost approximately £29,000 IN 1997–98, and it represents about 3 per cent. of the total annual budget available for organic research and development.