Today Defra launched a free national information and advice service for farmers thinking of converting to organic production methods.

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Plans were approved by the European Commission and funding made available to reintroduce the service.

The new advisory service, which will be delivered by Natural England (NE) on Defra’s behalf, will provide conventional farmers with free and impartial information and advice on the principles and mechanics of organic production to help them decide whether conversion is appropriate for their enterprise. It will comprise of a national helpline (which will provide initial advice and a comprehensive information pack), a dedicated website and a free on farm advisory visits service that will supplement the initial advice provided, where appropriate.

Welcoming the announcement Lord Rooker, Minister for sustainable food and farming said: “As a Government we are keen to encourage English farmers to convert and adopt more sustainable production practices and take advantage of the wide range of opportunities offered by rising demand for organic food.

“The Organic Research Centre has an established record of providing the agriculture sector with high quality impartial conversion information and advice and we are delighted to be collaborating with them and NE in the delivery of this new service.”

Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England, said: "This is good news for farmers wishing to convert to organic production and subsequently good news for wildlife. One of the potential barriers to conversion is a lack of knowledge by non organic producers about organic principles and production methods – a barrier which OCIS, delivered by the Organic Research Centre, will help to remove.”

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