§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how much funding for the European Centre for Organic Fruit and Nursery Stock is paid for out of his Department's research and development budget; [120581]
(2) if he will make a statement on the role of the European Centre for Organic Fruit and Nursery Stock; [120579]
(3) if he will publish the budget for the European Centre for Organic Fruit and Nursery Stock for each of the next three years. [120580]
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§ Mr. Nick BrownI announced the creation of the Centre on 30 March this year following a successful bid by Horticulture Research International to the Capital Modernisation Fund.
The European Centre for Organic Fruit and Nursery Stock to be set up by HRI will be a unique centre of excellence whose primary aim will be the development of a deeper scientific basis for organics and to disseminate that knowledge effectively across the organic sector, from growers through to consumers. The Centre will offer a wide range of economic, educational, environmental and efficiency benefits and will contribute further to the Government's support for the horticulture sector.
The CMF grant totals £2.261 million for 2000–01 and 2001–02. It is being provided from central funds. HRI will be establishing budgets in due course.