New plan to boost organic farming
The Government has launched its two-year review of the organic faming plan designed to boost organic farming in the UK.
Since the original plan was launched the percentage of UK grown organic produce on sale in the UK has increased from 30 per cent to 44 per cent, which the Government says is on target for achieving 70 per cent sourcing by 2010.
Farming Minister Ben Bradshaw, said that “much has been achieved” but that he is determined to do more to meet the demand for UK grown organic products.
Mr Bradshaw said: “At the beginning of this year 696,000 hectares, four per cent of UK farmland, was under organic production, up from 30,000 hectares in 1993. The market is projected to grow by nine per cent a year to 2007.”
“I commend this plan to all those involved in the production, preparation, distribution and sale of organic food.”
Today’s recommendations come from an action group set up to advise on organic food, whose members include the British Retail Consortium, the Food and Drink Federation and the National Farmers Union (NFU).
Chief among the new initiatives announced is a plan to encourage the increased purchase of organic food by public bodies, such as schools and hospitals. The action group is also to advise on how organic produce can contribute to the Government’s health agenda, for example in encouraging a higher consumption of fruit and vegetables.
The NFU gave the plan to increase organic farming its full backing. Its spokesman, Peter Hall, said: “We’re pleased the Organic Action Plan has been rejuvenated. The previous plan achieved a number of key aims including significantly increasing the level of British organic produce in the shops but it’s now time to re-double our efforts.”
“We need to ensure the sustainable food procurement initiative delivers increased purchasing of organic food, that producers capitalise on the strengths of local organic supply and that we make sure organic food is a viable choice for all consumers.”
There are some concerns that disadvantaged sections of the community are “priced out” of the organic food market.
