Written by Iain Hoey
OF&G (Organic Farmers & Growers) has expressed concern over the widening gap between European and English policy developments, following the publication of the European Commission’s Organic Action Plan, with its CEO saying the UK parliaments plans for the sector demonstrates ‘a lack of foresight’ and ambition in supporting agroecological approaches’.
“Were organic to be recognised along the lines the EU are doing, as the only internationally recognised and legally defined agroecological approach, our nation would be in a much more resilient position over the coming decades,” said OF&G CEO Roger Kerr.
“At the moment, the responses we’re receiving to fundamental questions just gloss over the issues with parliamentary rhetoric, which appears to demonstrate a lack of foresight and real ambition in supporting agroecological approaches.”
OF&G is calling for the development of a detailed national action plan for organic that encompasses food, farming and the environment – an approach that has previously been recommended by the Government’s own advisors in a Treasury commissioned report, The Dasgupta Review.
Mr Kerr pointed out that that the European Commission’s Organic Action Plan has set out a clear agenda and strategy that acknowledges the multiple benefits and public goods that organic systems simultaneously deliver, and has put its money where its mouth is with an €86m fund to promote organic and sustainable farming within the EU and globally in 2021.
“Our European neighbours are certainly putting their money where their mouth is,” said Kerr. “The new Organic Action Plan sets out clear objectives to capitalise on the opportunity that organic represents. It showcases a coherent approach to policy making, which starkly contrasts with our own government’s drip-fed responses.”
He said that a much more frank and meaningful dialogue with organisations throughout the sector and beyond would be a positive next step, but that ultimately, farmers need assistance and assurance now.
“For organic growers we know that organic premiums on the retailer shelf are often not reflected in farm gate income and with new restrictions on farm payments starting to hit the pockets of farmers, with some leaving the agriculture sector. The SFI and ELMS could be hugely ambitious in their scope, if only government had the appetite to make it so.
“An integrated policy framework that unites the Food Strategy, Biodiversity Strategy and Climate Strategy would truly optimise the benefits for everybody.”
Kerr noted that upcoming publication of the National Food Strategy, led by Henry Dimbleby, with hope that this will set out some clear objectives around how the food system is developed.
“Reading the interim report, this would place greater emphasis on organic food and farming than is seen in the Government’s current direction. The DIT are keen to support the trade in organic food, it would be great to see Defra and other Departments actively embrace the opportunity too,” he added.
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