Organic farmers to get boost under EU plans

Organic farmers could be given extra assistance by the European Union under plans to revamp the Common Agricultural Policy.

EU agriculture minister Dacian Ciolos said “specific measures” for organic faming that were directly targets at consumers were being considered by the EU.

Speaking at the Biozone fair in Brittany, France, Mr Ciolos said the measures, outlined in the CAP, plan to “give member states the possibility of supporting organic agriculture”.

He said organic practices “assures a good and durable management of natural resources”

Other measures could include a logo for local producers who engage in direct selling, from which “organic production could benefit”.

Mr Ciolos said farmers needed to get better connected with consumers and “not fear Europe”.

“Citizens are waiting for farmers to be more present when their products are sold,” he said.

But he stressed the importance of maintaining diversity in production.

“We cannot speak of one system, each system of production has its place.

“Closeness to the point of sale and direct selling are important on the European market.”