HC Deb 11 April 2000 vol 348 cc134-5W
Mr. Tyler

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent assessment he has made of the demand for organic food in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [118569]

Mr. Morley

We expect the demand for organic produce to be sustained and to that end have made provision for increased expenditure on conversion aid in the England Rural Development Plan.

Mr. Tyler

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assistance he will make available to farmers who wish to convert to organic farming before the Organic Farming Scheme reopens. [118576]

Mr. Morley

We are continuing to fund the provision of free conversion advice, including on-farm visits, by the Organic Conversion Information Service.

Mr. Tyler

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make new money available to fund organic conversion between now and April 2001. [118575]

Mr. Morley

We are projecting expenditure of £12 million for this financial year on conversion aid in England. I have no plans to increase that figure.

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