Select committee report fails to recommend concrete targets24 January 2001
The Agriculture Select Committee's report on Organic Farming (published 24 January 2001) backed an action plan for organic farming - which would help the sector develop sustainably, rather than in fits and starts. But the Committee failed to recommend targets for increasing organic production in the UK. Ten European countries have already set targets, including the four countries that now have the highest percentage of land in organic production.
Catherine Fookes, the Organic Targets Bill Co-ordinator from Sustain said: "We are delighted that the Committee agrees that an action plan is needed for organic farming. The Minister of Agriculture has already agreed that an action plan would be useful so now we need them to put words into action. Without an action plan UK farmers will continue to lose out to overseas competitors."
Sandra Bell, Food Campaigner from Friends of the Earth agreed: "The report contains some sound advice, not least that a more strategic approach is needed to develop the organic sector and more resources should be put into training and research to maximise the considerable benefits of organic farming." But she also added: "We are disappointed, however, that the Committee's report falls short of recommending a target for organic farming."
The report contains the recommendations and conclusions of the Committee following its inquiry last year into organic farming in the UK. It looked at customer demand, organic certification, standards, farm assurance schemes, assistance for organic conversion from trade associations, food processors, supermarkets and the Government, pricing, imports and exports.
The Organic Food and Farming Targets Bill Campaign, of which Friends of the Earth is a founder member, submitted evidence to the inquiry last year. The Campaign wants to see clear recommendations from the Committee for the Government to set a target for the growth of organic farming in the UK and to back this with an Action Plan. Farmers in the UK are losing out on the boom in demand for organic food at the moment because they have not been given the support they need. About 70 per cent of the organic food eaten in the UK is imported.
The Organic Food and Farming Targets Bill was presented to Parliament on January 17th by Simon Thomas MP who adopted the Bill following his success in the Private Members Ballot in December. The campaign has the backing of more than 100 organisations including major retailers, and more than 250 MPs. The second reading debate is scheduled for February 9th 2001.
David Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON said: "There are several sound reasons for supporting the Organic Targets Bill. By creating up to 16,000 jobs, for example, the Bill will benefit rural economies and in reducing pesticide use it will help the environment and wildlife."
More information on the Bill can be found at http://www.sustainweb.org/
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