Defra shies away from organics

26 October 2001



‘Defra shies away from organics’

By FWi staff

CAMPAIGNERS claim the government has shied away from meeting their targets for organic farming, even though it has promised a future strategy.

Rural Affairs Secretary Margaret Beckett said the government would provide enough resources to triple the organic area converted by 2006.

The government also would examine how the organic sector in the UK could match its European counterparts, she added.

But the Soil Association said the only way producers would match their European counterparts was if they received ongoing payments.

A spokeswoman said: “If they are to fulfil that commitment they would have to pay organic stewardship.”

• Boost organic support, urges Holden, FWi, 26 March, 2001
• Funding pledge for organic scheme, FWi, 10 April, 2001
• Scots slam green cash shortfall, FWi, 14 September, 2001