Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to reduce the costs of organic products.

Organic produce is likely to be more expensive than its non-organic equivalent due to the increased production costs inherent in the system.

In recognition of these additional costs, as well as funding available to all farmers, there is funding available to increase the area of organic farming within the current Rural Development Programme.

Under Rural Development, organic farming is supported via the Countryside Stewardship Scheme where there are options available for conversion to organic farming, and also for ongoing management of land registered as organic. In addition organic farmers have access to a wide range of capital and land management options, within Countryside Stewardship, to improve further the environmental benefits delivered on their farms.

This support recognises the additional costs associated with organic farming and delivers enhancements to the countryside.