Now farmers can gain from free organic advice

Mar 26 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal

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

The new advisory service will be delivered by Natural England on Defra’s behalf and provide conventional farmers with free and impartial information and advice on the principles and mechanics of organic production.

It is hoped the new service will help farmers decide whether conversion is appropriate for their enterprise.

It will comprise a national helpline to provide advice and a comprehensive information pack, a dedicated website and a free on-farm advisory visits service.

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.

“This offers a wide range of opportunities given the rising demand for organic food. The Organic Research Centre has an established record of providing the agriculture sector with high quality impartial conversion 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.

“It is a barrier which the Organic Research Centre, will help to remove.”