§ 19. Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent assessment he has made of the environmental advantages of organic farming. [103793]
§ Mr. MorleyEvaluation of the environmental impact of organic farming is one of the three objectives of the Ministry's organic R&D programme, for which £2.1 million has been allocated for 1999–2000. Field studies on biodiversity and soil fertility on organic farms, following up earlier desk studies, and a study of nutrient recycling are in progress. Work on nitrates and ammonia emissions has recently been completed.
§ 22. Jean CorstonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farmers entered into organic conversion in 1999. [103796]
§ Mr. MorleyAround 1,100 farmers applied for aid under the Organic Farming Scheme in 1999.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further plans he has to support organic farming. [103774]
§ Mr. MorleyOn 7 December 1999,Official Report, columns 701–02W, my right hon. Friend the Minister announced the Government's plans for spending on the Rural Development Programme for England. Under these plans, £140 million will be available over the life of the Programme for aid for conversion to organic farming.