§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by what means his Department intends to promote the take-up of the new arrangements in support of farmers switching to organic farming.[55751]
§ Mr. MorleyAt the end of July, we announced proposals for a new Organic Aid with substantial improvements in the rate of aid for conversion of most 155W types of land. The proposals are subject to the approval of the European Commission but it is hoped that the new scheme will be able to begin early next year.
The enhanced rates should in themselves encourage take up of the scheme. But the scheme will be actively promoted and the Government are already giving extra resources to the Organic Conversion Information Service, which provides free advice for those considering farming organically.