Organic Group Lays Out Plan for Conversion of UK Agriculture

Release · Vol 2 Issue 12
29 Mar 2001

ORGANIC NEWSLINE
Weekly International News from Organic Trade Services, www.organicts.com/,
THE organic industry portal on the Web.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

SOIL ASSOCIATION ACTION PLAN FOR SUSTAINABLE FARMING
26 March

"I think we need to sit down with the industry and really work out what is
the basis on which we want sustainable farming for the long-term."
Rt Hon Tony Blair MP, Prime Minister, 1 March 2001.

For over fifty years agricultural policy in Britain has headed in one,
unrelenting, direction. The drive to encourage ever greater and cheaper food
production has led to the development of largely unsustainable farming
practices to the detriment of environmental, human and animal health.
That's why the Soil Association welcomes the Prime Minister's recent
statement. We believe organic farming, the best example of sustainable
agriculture, is the key to regenerating the rural economy. Not just for the
production of safe and healthy food but also for increased employment, a
better environment and improved human health.

The Soil Association wants to be involved in the debate over the future of
farming and our countryside. As a first step we are publishing the following
Action Plan For Sustainable Farming.

We need policy reform

A detailed strategy to convert 30 per cent of farmland in England and Wales
to organic farming by 2010

Encouragement for farmers to convert to organic production and embrace other
environmentally friendly farming systems

Post-conversion financial support for organic farmers in recognition of
their contribution to protecting the environment and biodiversity

Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), moving funds from production
based subsidies in favour of systems of farming that benefit the environment

The reopening of small and medium-sized abattoirs, the closing of which has
been a key factor in the spread of Foot and Mouth

We need action on health

A new Health of the Nation initiative between the departments of health,
agriculture and the environment, linking farming practice and food
production methods with the environment, food safety and, most importantly,
human health

An immediate ban on antibiotics in animal husbandry, other than for
essential veterinary use

Significant reduction in pesticide use, to halt proven damage to health and
the environment

A ban on growing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) until science has
positive evidence that they do not harm human health or the environment.

Increased funding for research in this vital area
We need action on the environment

Support for local food initiatives which reduce food miles, cutting fuel and
pollution costs, and make good food more affordable and accessible.

Support for sustainable farming practices that encourage wildlife and
biodiversity

A 'polluter pays' charge on farming practices which harm the countryside,
including a pesticides tax, with the money going to fund organic farming
We need action on education

Public education on the real costs of industrialised food production,
including the hidden tax burden, and on how direct links between consumer
and producer benefit the rural economy

Education in schools on the links between farming and food, basic food
hygiene and how to cook nutritious food from raw ingredients

Encouragement of school visits to organic farms as part of the national
curriculum
We need action on local food links
Countryside Agency and Regional Development Agency support for local and
regional food initiatives, farm diversification, vocational training and
market development

Support for locally produced food in supermarkets, supplied through a 'fair
price' policy agreed with farmers

We need action on rural employment

Achieving the Soil Association's target ­ 30 per cent of farmland to be
organically managed by 2010 ­ would create an estimated 17,000 jobs in rural
areas

Strengthening local food links means strengthening local employment
All of the above objectives would be fulfilled through widespread adoption
of organic farming and local food economies. The Soil Association believes
that this must be at the cornerstone of any policy to promote sustainable
agriculture. Organic farming is a production system which avoids the use of
artificial pesticides and fertilisers and is characterised by the use of
management practices such as crop rotations to avoid weed, pest and disease
problems.

It has proven environmental benefits, is animal welfare friendly and
increases rural employment. It is also strongly supported in the market
place by consumers for whom there are perceived environmental and health
benefits. Such consumer support means organic conversion can provide and
economic lifeline to thousands of non-organic producers.