Action 18
"The Scottish organics sector must:
- identify and tailor production to consumer demand
and market outlets;
- develop the supply chain so that organic producers
are matched by sufficient processing capacity;
- in the livestock sector, identify finishers to whom
store producers can sell their produce;
- ensure the right business and technical advice is
available on how to convert to and, as importantly,
maintain organic farming in Scottish conditions;
and
- ensure that Scottish farmers are able to use
organic standards which avoid gold plating and reflect
Scottish conditions."
Progress
The Scottish Executive launched the Organic Action Plan
on 3 February 2003 following close liaison with key organic
stakeholders. Recommendations in the Plan are being taken
forward by the Scottish Executive and stakeholders, through
the Organic Stakeholders Group, and the first report on the
Plan was published in March 2004.
The Organic Aid Scheme was developed and expanded in
2004 to provide improved support for organic conversion of
good quality land, continuing support for organic producers
after the initial conversion period and support for capital
costs associated with organic conversion.
Other developments following the Action Plan include:
the launch, in September 2004, of the first SEERAD-funded
Organic Open Demonstration Farm; an Organic Producers Forum
hosted by SEERAD; and a report commissioned into Market
Penetration of Scottish Organic Produce.
Further Work
A further progress report will be made in Summer
2005
A Marketing sub-Group of the Organic Stakeholders Group
is being set up to consider supply chain issues and support
organic producers in taking advantage of the market
opportunities.
Links
- Scottish Executive Organic
Farming website:-
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Agriculture/Agricultural-Policy/15869/3748
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/agri/orap-00.asp
Primary Action complete although work on the
overarching objectives continues.
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