2002

Organic targets rally gallery
23 January 2002

Image of Organic Targets Campaign logo, shows red apple with target sign on it

Over 700 people from around the country packed out Westminster Central Hall in London at the Organic Targets Rally on January 23.

The Organic Targets Rally in Westminster central Hall.

Patrick Holden from the Soil Association takes a question from the rally audience.

Speakers including celebrities and farmers put their views across, some giving alarming accounts of how modern farming methods are degrading the environment.

Recently at a farmers market at which I was selling our produce, I was talking to a chap who had been ploughing since 1943. I asked if there were any differences he noticed with ploughing today apart from air conditioning and full suspension in his tractor. He said "No seagulls. No seagulls behind the plough!!" I said, "Well, seagulls aren't extinct" He replied, "Yes. But the earthworm nearly is".

Simon Jones, a Lincolnshire organic farmer

Louiza Patikas, who plays Helen Archer in Radio 4's The Archers.

Hundreds of British farmers want to convert to organic farming but can't afford to do so. The Government should step in and help ensure that British farmers and the British countryside reap the benefits from the boom in organic food.

Louiza Patikas, who plays Helen Archer, manager of Ambridge Organics, in the Archers

Friends of the Earth's Real Food team in the queue to lobby their MPs.

After the rally, hundreds then headed over to the House of Commons to lobby their MP. Many MPs promised to sign Early Day Motion (EDM) 366 that supports the campaign and many more promised to write to Margaret Beckett to ask her to put targets in to the forthcoming action plan for organic farming. We have already seen an increase in EDM numbers since the lobby.

People who came to lobby MP's welcomed the chance to do their bit to make a difference to the direction of farming policy.

Louiza Patikas with campaign supporters, queuing outside the House of Commons to lobby their MPs.

A massive thank you to all of you who came to the rally. We've had a lot of positive feedback from speakers and supporters.

Now we must build on the momentum we've built up and make sure that MPs stick to their promises! This is an important time for organics since the Policy Commission on Food and Farming has recommended that the Government introduce on-going payments to organic farmers after they have converted, and also called for an Action Plan to be developed for organic farming in the UK. This is good news and we expect the Government to take up these recommendations. But we must keep up the pressure for the 30% target if the Action Plan is to achieve growth of the organic sector.

If you didn't come to the rally don't worry - you can still do your bit! You can email your MP, or visit your MP in your constituency.