§ Mr. SoleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the level of financial support in the EU for organic farming.[72959]
§ Mr. MorleyAid actually paid varies considerably between and within member States both in respect of levels of aid and types of production. EC Regulation 2078/92 sets out the limits on EU funding towards such aid.
Following the recommendation of the Select Committee on Agriculture and having taken views from consumers, environmentalists and farmers, we have announced plans to almost double the rate of aid available to farmers in England converting to organic practices. Subject to the approval of Parliament, the new rates will be introduced shortly.