§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 10 April 2000,Official Report, column 56W, on organic farming, what plans he has to undertake research into the balance of trade in organic produce in the last 12 months for 9W which figures are available; and what representations have been made to him regarding the balance of trade in this respect. [126474]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 27 June 2000]: We have no plans at present to undertake such research.
We have received a number of representations concerning the proportion of organic food which is imported, usually coupled with requests that support for organic conversion be increased. The Government have substantially increased funding for conversion: £12 million has been committed in the current financial year and we plan to spend £140 million on conversion aid over the life of the Rural Development Plan for England.