"Organic farming delivers environmental benefits"

Move to Encourage Organic Farming

The Minister for Fisheries and the Countryside, Elliot Morley, said demand for organic meat and food was outstripping supply at the moment despite the environmental benefits of organic farms.

The review will examine the current structure and rates of aid available to farmers to encourage more to make the switch to an eco-friendly system of agriculture.

Speaking on a visit to an organic farm in Wiltshire, Mr Morley said: "We have the expertise and skills to grow more organic food in this country - and the demand exists.

"A fresh look is needed to see if the structure of the aid could be improved. "Organic farming delivers environmental benefits, allowing wildlife to flourish.

The review follows the low take-up of the current Organic Aid Scheme which offers converting farmers subsidies starting at £17 per hectare paid over five years.

It is expected to keep the focus on encouraging farmers to switch to organic methods rather than providing "maintenance grants" to provide on-going support for organic farmers.

But Mr Morley warned any proposals thrown up by the review would be subject to the current squeeze on public expenditure.