§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how the target for increasing the market share of UK-produced organic foods over organic imports in the DEFRA Organic Action Plan will apply in Scotland. [87915]
§ Mrs. LiddellResponsibility for agriculture in Scotland is devolved. While some of the elements of the DEFRA plan such as the compendium of standards will apply on a UK basis, the targets will not apply to Scotland. Scottish Executive Ministers have appointed an Organic Stakeholder Group to deliver an action plan with recommendations for future executive support for the organic sector in Scotland. The Group will consider a wide range of issues including future executive support for organic conversion, development of the organic food chain, research priorities and organic standards and certification. The group is due to report in January 2003.