20/5/08

Find out about organic farming at the Royal Welsh Show

Farmers who are thinking about converting to organic management can find out more by visiting the Organic Centre Wales stand at this year’s Royal Welsh Show on 21-24 July. As well as information for producers and consumers, there will be samples of organic produce on the stand, which will be in the Organic Food and Farming marquee in the Countryside Care Area.

‘If you are thinking of converting, your first port of call is Organic Centre Wales,’ said Carolyn Wacher of Organic Centre Wales, who is organizing the stand. ‘Here, we try to make sure that if you choose to convert, you do so with the full understanding of the benefits and risks involved, and are also aware of the support available. And when you’re tired of talking, overwhelmed with the advice you’ve been given and the thought of all the things you have to do, then take the weight off your feet and enjoy our organic coffee, tea, cool drinks and refreshments which are available free of charge.’

The benefits of organic farming are now widely recognised, with improvements to many aspects of the farming system. As a result, the Welsh Assembly Government aims to convert 10-15% of agricultural land in Wales to organic management by 2010, and this year over 300 producers have expressed interest in the Organic Farming Scheme. The Organic Conversion Information Service, which is free and funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, is a good place to start and will be represented on the stand. If you decide to go ahead, help to plan your conversion can be had from consultants from two organisations, ADAS Wales and the Organic Advisory Service, who will also be available throughout the Show at our stand. Information about the new Farming Connect service will also be available.

Meeting other farmers is also a valuable way of exchanging information and two of the exhibitors in the Organic Food and Farming marquee - Graig Producers and the Welsh Black Cattle Society's Organic Club – run discussion groups and are looking forward to meeting both old friends and new at their stands.

Ends

More information

Carolyn Wacher, Organic Centre Wales, Aberystwyth University. Tel. 01970 622248, e-mail ccw@aber.ac.uk. 

Notes for the editor

1. Organic Centre Wales is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government to provide information on organic food and farming to producers, food businesses, consumers and others. It is based at Aberystwyth University and run by a partnership consisting of the ADAS, the Organic Research Centre Elm Farm, and the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University.

2. The Organic Conversion Information Service (01970 622100) is funded by WAG to provide information to producers considering conversion – an information pack and up to two free on-farm visits are available.

3. The Organic Farming Scheme is open for applications – further information can be obtained from WAG Divisional Offices and OCW. To qualify, farms need to be certified as organic by a recognised body.  

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