§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what financial provision his Department has made for the expected growth in the number of farmers converting to organic farming through the organic aid scheme; and if he will make a statement on whether the organic aid scheme budget is expected to cope with the current level of demand and expected growth in Wales. [67747]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesDecisions on the funding of the Organic Aid Scheme have not yet been made.
In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.
§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the amount of farmland(a) converted, (b) under conversion and (c) considering conversion to organic; what assessment he has made of future trends in this area; and if he will make a statement on the geographical spread of such land. [67764]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesAs at 31 December 1998, there were 3,182 h.a. of converted organic land and 2,149 h.a. of land in conversion in Wales. It is not possible to estimate reliably the amount of farmland being considered for conversion. However, there has been a substantial increase in the number of inquiries received from prospective organic farmers. The majority of organic producers are in West Wales.
In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.
§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his Department's strategy for helping Welsh farmers to become organic; and if he will list his Department's current initiatives in this area. [67762]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesOur aim is to encourage an expansion of organic farming. The current initiatives are as follows:
- The Organic Aid Scheme which provides direct support for conversion.
- The Organic Conversion Information Service which provides free advice to prospective organic farmers.
- An industry-led working group has been set up to develop an action plan for the organic sector.
In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.