Organic experts needed to shape government policy
© Tim Scrivener Organic farming experts are being sought by Defra to advise the four UK governments on future policy in this sector.
The Expert Group on Organic Production (EGOP) will provide technical advice to support any revisions of the organic regulations in England, Scotland and Wales and to consider divergence in organic policy between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Its chairperson and 12 members may also have to deliver advice around the updating of organic regulations retained since the UK left the EU, such what non-organic ingredients are permitted and whether new inputs should be included, or existing ones removed.
See also: Organic dairy farming in 2022 – opportunities and challenges
Providing technical advice on the sector as a whole, including global trends, export opportunities and driving sales, will be part of the group’s remit.
“Each member will be an expert in their area and together will provide a multi-disciplinary group to assess the evidence base and the policy challenges surrounding organic policy and technical issues,’’ says Defra.
Members will be appointed for three years, but that may be extended. These are paid positions at £30 an hour or £210 a day, with about six meetings a year expected. The application period closes at midday on Monday 10 October.