§ Mr. TredinnickTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of Government regulation on Britain's organic farmers. [127167]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Government seek to minimise regulatory burdens where possible and consults the industry on their impact. Standards for organic farming are contained in Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91. Additionally, the private sector bodies that certify organic farmers are able if they wish to impose standards which go further, and some do. Rigorous production controls are important if public confidence in organic food is to be maintained. It is for producers to decide with which certifier they wish to register.