25/03/08
Today Defra launched a free national information and advice
service for farmers thinking of converting to organic production
methods.
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.”
Making Millions from Wind Farms
Farmers Understand the Carbon Footprint Science
Managing Water Naturally Reduces Flooding |