Organic Centre Wales
Llanbadarn Campus
University of Wales
Aberystwyth
SY23 3AL

Ms Carol Harris
Department for Environment, Planning and Countryside
Welsh Assembly Government
Cathays Park
CARDIFF
CF10 3NQ

            21st July 2006

Dear Ms Harris

OCW RESPONSE TO CONSULTATION DRAFT OF THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR WALES 2007 – 2013 on behalf of the Organic Strategy Group.

Please find attached our detailed response to the above consultation.

We are disappointed that the draft plan barely mentions integration of activities across the Axes, and are concerned that viewing all aspects from the individual axes views, even the SWOT analysis, will create an approach from which it will difficult to depart in delivery.  We propose a means of integration of activities in the organic sector, in the hope that it may provide a model for other areas of activity.

We have outlined our proposals for integrating the OFS maintenance phase with Tir Cynnal, and our aspiration for support for the production of an integrated Organic Farm Management Plan that delivers environmental, animal welfare, resource management and business planning and satisfies the requirements of Tir Cynnal.

We would also like to see services coordinated for converting organic producers, with a lead advisor who ensures that the various consultants provide a coherent plan covering the needs of Organic Certification (Conversion plan, Conservation Plan, Animal Health Plan) Tir Cynnal (Resource Management Plan) as well as business planning and marketing plans.

On a matter of accuracy: paragraphs 3.1.140 and 5.2.19 state that the Organic Farming Scheme provides advice and payments to aid conversion of the land to organic status.  The OFS does not provide advice directly although some element of the payment is for advice.  The OCIS scheme (Organic Conversion Information Service) currently provided by the Assembly, provides an invaluable means to ensure only those likely to make a success of organic farming embark on certification and claiming OFS funds.  OCIS, however, has no long-term funding.

Budgets and OFS budget line.  Given the mention of organic farming in the Göteborg conclusions, and the ability to provide the aspired-for economic-environmental win-win, we advocate prioritising those applications to Tir Cymru that are to be combined with the OFS Tir Gofal, Tir Cynnal or the Higher level scheme.

OCW welcomes the opportunity to provide assistance in developing the operational detail of the RDP measures across the axes, and we look forward to playing an active part in the planned 07-08 Review of Land-based Schemes. 

We would particularly welcome the opportunity, as offered by Rory O’Sullivan, to meet with you to discuss further the matters raised here, perhaps in early September.

Yours sincerely

Susan Fowler Policy Officer, OCW

Response from the

Welsh Agri-food Partnership Organic Strategy Group

prepared by Organic Centre Wales
(University of Wales, Aberystwyth, SY23 3AL)

21st July 2006

to the Welsh Assembly Government consultation on

Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007 – 2013

1.           Introduction:

1.       Organic farming represents a knowledge and skill intensive approach to agriculture, where external inputs are replaced by system management. Successful organic management demands and inspires skills development. In addition, organic farming’s reliance on local, specialist premium markets stimulates innovation and investment in the food chain.

2.       Organic Farming can act as a role model for economic-environmental win-win initiatives by combining a high level of environmental performance with specialist markets for organic food. 

3.       Organic Farming makes strong contributions to most of the Strategic Goals outlined in the Community Strategic Guidelines for Rural Development.  See appendix 1.

2.           Response to Consultation questions.

SWOT analysis and Strategy Chosen to Meet Strengths and Weaknesses

Q1. Do you have any comments on the SWOT analysis?

4.             Under ‘Strengths’ we suggest including organic sector.

  • Existing niche markets, including organic, ripe for further development
  • High proportion of new entrants chose to farm organically

 

Under weaknesses, we suggest:

·         Lack of cooperation between producers

·         there is a severe decline in those wishing to go into farming, due to the draw of easier and better paid occupations, and that the farming population is elderly and therefore less flexible and adaptable 

·         English horticultural land support through SPS

·         biodiversity loss.

Under Opportunities, we suggest:

Axis 1

·         Increasing premium prices from organic, welfare friendly, and extensive agricultural methods

·         Market demand for products from environmentally-friendly, organic land management, including access to the hospitality sector

·         Many new entrants select organic management

Axis 2

·         Mitigating climate change by exploiting opportunities for renewable energy and recycling

·         Increasing the extent of organic farming

·         Recovery from over-grazing due to CAP reform and the SPS.

Axis 3 & 4

·         Increasing community interest in shorter food chains, box schemes, and local consumption.

·         Developing food tourism based on quality Welsh produce.

 

Additional threats:

  • GM

5.             The issue of climate change has been omitted – which is clearly a threat, but also an opportunity, given Wales’ variety of landscape.

 

Q2 Do you have any comments on the measure implemented? Is there anything listed as not being implemented that you feel should be included?

6.             Axis 1: We interpret 5.3.1.3.1. as referring to measure Article 20 (c) i, and Article 31 – aimed to assist farmers to meet ever increasingly stringent Community legislation, therefore it should be implemented.

The comment in the consultation concerning 5.3.1.3.1 (ending  in ‘ not have an appetite for more’) we believe misinterprets the measure, which does not propose the setting up of new quality schemes, but talks of assisting farmers to meet ‘standards … newly introduced in national legislation implementing Community law…’. 

Further, the mention of Food Quality Schemes in paragraph 3.2.2. suggests that other measures ii and iii in Article 20 (c) may not be implemented. We are particularly concerned that (c) iii be implemented.  There are around 300 organic and quasi-organic small scale horticultural producers in Wales that could be encouraged to work together for combined marketing under the Organic quality label (Organic is one of the suite of EU quality marks) to local markets and public procurement contracts.  Those ‘organic in all but certification’ would then be able to justify the expense of certification, and the supply of fresh local produce within Wales would be increased.

7.             Organic farming should be included in the list of Quality schemes eligible for support in paragraph 5.3.1.3.2.

8.             Axis 2: Concerning 5.3.2.1.5 Animal welfare payments.  We are largely in agreement with paragraph 3.2.5, with the caveat that welfare status in the poultry and pig sectors falls far short of public expectation, and their willingness to pay through market mechanisms does not extend to cover the considerable costs of production to such standards.  Therefore, we believe this measure should be implemented for these sectors only.

9.             We are also disappointed at the decision to not implement agroforestry schemes (5.3.2.2.2) which could have supported an increase in more diverse pastures providing shelter for livestock and increased biodiversity, and potentially an increase in timber for chipping for the rapidly developing wood-chip heating systems.  Generally, we believe that the integrated management of woodlands and agriculture should be encouraged, and this measure could be used to assist that aim.

Axis 1

Q3. Do you agree that the correct links have been made between the key actions identified under the Community Strategic Guidelines and the areas identified as a priority for investment?

10.         Under Objectives, paragraph 5.1.11 we would like to see the inclusion of an aim to increase cooperation (as well as collaboration) between producers.  This would not be covered by 5.3.1.1.1 as the role needed is more that of a facilitator than advisor, and the role should ideally be carried out by a producer who should be supported through information and case studies from the Rural Network.

11.         Regard should be given to paragraph 5.2.5 in the consultation document, which points out the opportunities for innovation, the creation of new markets and increased competitiveness through well thought-out environmental policies.  These synergies should be emphasized more in Axis 1 measures.

12.   Given the recognised advantages of cattle grazing in the hills, we would like to see some capital investment element used to support for manure management facilities and cattle housing in hill land.

Q4. Do you have any comment on the application of the measure being implemented?

13.         5.3.1.1.1 We would like to see the final point extended to make it clear that producer to producer connection is a focus of support.

14.         5.3.1.3.2 and 5.3.1.3.3 Food produced to organic standards should be specifically mentioned in both of these measures, as it is included in the suite of EU quality schemes.  Specifically in 5.3.1.3.3. Annex 1 products should be listed, and organic should be included.

15.         There is a need to maintain and improve the support offered to farmers considering conversion to organic farming, to provide an integrated farm management plan that tackles the environmental, animal welfare, resource management and business planning aspects of both conversion and the full organic system.  Current systems deliver various aspects of such a plan, but in an uncoordinated way, which wastes resources, and sometimes includes conflicting advice resulting in farmer confusion.  See Appendix 2 for a full discussion of the issues.

16.         Additionally the very successful OCIS (Organic Conversion Information Service) should be continued in some form, perhaps through, or linked to, the FAS: this currently provides up to one and a half days free advice to farmers so that they can make an informed decision about the suitability of organic conversion for their farm.  The funding stream for OCIS was withdrawn last year, but the recent independent review of OCIS for England concluded that the service there should be maintained but with a greater emphasis on business planning and marketing.

17.         We would like the FAS offer, to organic farmers, advisors that are experienced in organic farming, with a lead advisor ensuring that information given is collated to produce a coherent management plan but also includes consideration of marketing.

18.         We recommend that the FAS should be available for horticultural holdings from inception.

19.         We would like to see more attention focussing on the development of strategic and organisational skills.  Dynamic entrepreneurship will be largely expressed by the young and new entrants, to which more attention should be focussed. 

We draw attention, in particular, to the findings of the Defra project “Impacts of organic farming on the rural economy (CTE0216) (RE0117)” which concludes “on average, organic farmers are 6 years younger than their non-organic counterparts and have 51% have a higher education qualification compared to 30% of non-organic farmers.  In addition, a significant proportion have entered agriculture as an entirely new ‘career’.  31% of organic farmers were ‘new entrants’ …”
“Many organic farmers also configure their business in a different way.  They are more likely to run more enterprises than their non-organic counterparts and those enterprises are much more likely to be orientated away from providing services to the agricultural industry and instead are focused on processing and/or retailing.  For instance, 21% of organic farms had diversified into a trading enterprise compared to just 5% of non-organic farms.”

20.         A cross axis measure that is of importance in building links between schools and farms, and may lead to shorter supply chains and public procurement opportunities, is increased support for school visits to farms.  This should be done by supporting coordinators to make the links between farms and schools, and support the farm in making links with schools, sorting dates, programme setting, producing literature, health and safety and risk assessments and evaluation forms.  Ideally this would link with increased support for educational visits for Tir Gofal farmers as noted in paragraph 24.  

21.         We would like to see indicators and targets separately identified for organic.

 

Axis 2

Q5. Do you agree that the correct links have been made between the key actions identified under the Community strategic Guidelines and the areas identified as a priority for investment?

22.   We are pleased to note the inclusion of Organic Farming across three levels of agri-environment programmes in the diagram in paragraph 5.2.14.  The synergy between Tir Gofal and the OFS is demonstrated by 50% of OFS land being in both schemes: 11% of Tir Gofal land is under organic management.  We believe there is even greater opportunity to benefit from organic management in the proposed higher level scheme, such that there should perhaps be a presumption that the land would be managed organically other than under exceptional circumstances.

23.   5.3.2.1.4. Organic Farming Scheme.  We propose changes to the Organic Farming Scheme prior to the review of Axis 2  Land Management Schemes.   Specifically, the increase in support rates for organic horticultural holdings, and secondly, a requirement that those entering the second phase of 5 years should be required to enter Tir Cynnal so there would be an organic stream to Tir Cynnal and the administration of the joint scheme could be through the SAF and CAPM.  This joint scheme should require an organic management plan that included the current Resource Management Plan,

24.   5.3.2.1.4  Proposed refinements to Tir Gofal prior to the review of Axis 2.
We would like to see a change made available to all agreement holders that provides for extra payments to farmers who take more than six educational visits a year, maybe up to a limit of 25 as in England. This would give better value for money for farmers that have adapted their facilities for such visits, but more importantly there is an increasing demand for such visits by schools, because of the growing emphasis on the outdoor curriculum and the need to support children’s understanding of food production and healthy eating. Many  Tir Gofal farms could extend their provision if they were funded for more visits. We would be pleased to provide examples of farms that have provided some excellent visits for local schools and are keen to do more, but cannot justify it unless they are supported financially in some way.  We would also like Tir Gofal farms to be able to amend their agreement at the 5-year break clause to add the educational option at this point. 

25.   Given the recognised advantages of cattle grazing in the hills, we also advocate capital support for manure management facilities and cattle housing in hill land for Tir Gofal farmers.

Q6. Do you have any comment on the application of the measures being implemented?

26.   5.3.2.1.4. The Organic Farming Scheme should be mentioned in the list of agri-environment schemes satisfying Article 39 of Council Regulation 1658/2005.

27.         The Organic Farming Scheme could be improved through requiring the preparation of a Farm Management Plan, which also serves the needs of other agri-environment schemes, allowing an organic option to Tir Cynnal and Tir Gofal. 

28.         Greater support for horticultural enterprises should be provided through the Organic Farming Scheme, to enable certification and consumer assurances from existing, non-certified producers, and to support the greater production of fresh and local produce.

29.         5.3.2.1.3 We believe the provision of on-farm advice for RBD’s farms should routinely include an examination of the option of organic conversion. 

30.         5.3.2.1.6 Capital support within the highest level scheme should also be provided for the housing of cattle and manure storage and handling facilities.  This is vital to retain cattle in the hills when their economic viability is under considerable pressure.  If necessary, the keeping of native breeds cattle or ponies for maintenance of habitats could be seen as non-productive investments.

Axis 3 & 4

Q7. Do you agree that the correct links have been made between the key actions identified under the Community strategic Guidelines and the areas identified as a priority for investment?

31.         5.3.7. In the areas for action we would like to see emphasis on educational visits by school children to farms and the countryside, to learn both about food production, and the environment and resource issues and, vitally, increases awareness of rural issues in the younger generation.  As well as enhancing communities, this potentially facilitates links for supplying school meals.  We are concerned, however, that 5.3.8 states that Axis 3 will operate only in “rural” areas, whereas the quality of life and understanding of these issues may be more important for those in urban areas.  Many relatively small family farms are ideal for such visits, and many would need to get paid for visits, but most importantly they need someone to co-ordinate the visits: contacting the schools; arranging the dates; planning the day; being available to take over if a cow calves or a load of straw is delivered; plus deal with the paperwork such as H & S, Risk Assessments and Evaluations. 
To help this, we would like to see a change made available to all Tir Gofal agreement holders that provides for extra payments to farmers who take more than six educational visits a year, maybe up to a limit of 25 as in England. This would give better value for money for farmers that have adapted their facilities for such visits, but more importantly there is an increasing demand for such visits by schools, because of the growing emphasis on the outdoor curriculum and the need to support children’s understanding of food production and healthy eating and the rural environment.

32.         Organic producers have been very active in the development of agri-tourism and in particular organic/eco agri-tourism with a focus on environmental as well as food issues. In particular there is potential for local organic groups to be represented in Local Action Groups, and integrated in Leader projects.

Q8. Do you have any comment on the application of the measures being implemented?

33.         As stated above, we would like to measures implemented to support school visits to farms, specifically measures to support coordinators to facilitate and support farmers and schools arrange visits. 

Implementation

Q9. Do you have any comment on how the Programme Monitoring Committee (PMC) will be set up or any comments on the specified duties of the PMC.

34.         No comment

Q10. Do you have any comment on the proposed Communication Strategy?

35.         Only to comment on the value of Gwlad as a communication medium, and to request that although appropriate references be made to websites, the (recycled) paper copy is retained for the future.

Q11.Do you have any comment on the proposals set out for Technical Assistance?

36.         As details are not available, it is difficult to comment. We are disappointed there is no mention in thematic areas for investigation of food tourism, food access or food security.

37.         Scheme evaluation [16.4] – evaluations should be against objectives across all axes.

Q12. Do you have any comments on proposals for the Rural Network?

38.         We are concerned about how the selection of individuals representing ‘key sectors’ will be made.

39.         We would like to see an integrated structure including Local Action Groups and the Wales Rural Network, including invitations to LAGs for the annual Network event.

General Comments

40.         We are disappointed that there is hardly a mention of horticulture throughout the plan.  This is particularly poor considering focus on health and nutrition, local consumption, public procurement etc. all of which can be supported by increasing local production and supply of fresh fruit and vegetables.  Although horticulture is included in agriculture in the 1947 Agriculture Act, we are concerned that the lack of focus may mean no attention is paid to horticulture, or result in programmes and schemes which inadvertently exclude horticulture.

41.         The Table under 5.2.21 shows a flat-line spend for already committed funds for the Organic Farming Scheme, which appears to be inadequate to cover the suggested horticultural supplement and a modest increase (of 1% of Welsh agricultural land per year, in similar proportions to that already converted) in land area in conversion. The sector Action Plan target range (10% and 15% of land under organic management) at current rates would require in the order of £4M - £6M as shown below.

Table 1. Projected (approximate) Organic Farming Scheme demands

 

2006

(5.2%)

Current plus horticulture

2007

+1%

2008

+1%

2009

+1%

2010

+1%

2011

+1%

2012

+1%

2013

+1%

2013

10%

 

2013

15%

 

Organic

Land area

61551

61551

73421

85291

97161

109031

120901

132771

144641

118700

178050

OFS budget

£k

1760

2006

2315

2378

3040

3403

3765

4127

4489

3698

5509

 

42.         Common Output and Result Indicators should be differentiated for organic across all areas. 

43.         Information Measure for Beneficiaries [para 13.6.] We are concerned that the requirement of priority Axis under which the funding has been granted will reinforce the temptation to think of, and fund projects solely from, one Axis only.  We would like there to be a requirement for all applications for awards to consider how the project addresses aims of all axes.

44.         Axis 2 consultation paragraph 4.14, third point. We would like an objective for all land should be managed sustainably, perhaps separately including an aim for the majority to be in agri-environment measures.  

45.         (Comment: Axis 2 consultation paragraph 4.14, fifth point.  The reference here to sustainable development, we consider to refer to ‘a sustainable future’, rather than development. As there is so much confusion over the term ‘sustainable development’, omission of ‘development’ where appropriate, may help. )

 

Model for Integration?

46.         In terms of coordinating activities in specific areas across teams, the organic sector may serve as a model for other areas of activity.

47.         It is envisaged that Huw Thomas from Norma Barry’s team, Alan Starkey or Rob Griffiths, and members of Terry Thomas’ team, would comprise an internal Assembly team to ensure interdepartmental liaison on organic issues.  This team could operate in a triangular relationship with the Organic Strategy Group, and Organic Centre Wales.

48.         On the ground, the Organic Strategy Group – representing as it does a wide range of stakeholders involved in production, processing and marketing of organic food, could provide oversight of organic activity in each Axis.  Organic Centre Wales could have a role in support of, and in liaison with Local Action Groups.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 1.  Potential Interaction mechanism for delivery of Rural Development Plan objectives.

This model would provide important coordination and efficient delivery and communication mechanisms for delivery of organic programmes across the axes, but may also serve as a useful model for other Strategy groups and development centres to follow.

 

Appendix 1

Contribution of organic farming to Community Strategic Guidelines for Rural Development – programming period 2007-2013

(Council Decision 2006/144/EC OJ.(25.02.06) L55:20-29 – see ORGAPET Annex C1-1)

Strategic goal

Contribution of organic farming

2.1 Overall aim: Strong economic performance must go hand-in-hand with the sustainable use of natural resources

Organic farming combines strong standards for sustainable resource use and a good record of actual achievement with a focus on quality food production and specialist marketing to meet consumer demand and maintain/enhance financial viability

3.1: Axis 1: Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sectors

Guideline: Axis 1 should contribute to a strong and dynamic European agrifood sector by focusing on the priorities of knowledge transfer, modernisation, innovation and quality in the food chain and on priority sectors for investment in physical and human capital
– to be achieved by:

Organic farming represents a knowledge and skill intensive approach to agriculture, where external inputs are replaced by system management. Successful organic management demands and inspires skills development. In addition, organic farming’s reliance on local, specialist premium markets stimulates innovation and investment in the food chain

i) restructuring and modernisation of the agricultural sector

Organic farming does not specifically address this issue. Fragmentation issues in parts of Europe are related to inheritance laws and cannot be addressed directly by management system. However, a key concern might be farm amalgamation and loss of family farms due to economic pressures. In this context, organic farming and organic food marketing can help sustain the financial viability of smaller family farms and reduce pressures for amalgamation.

ii) improving integration in the agri-food chain

Organic farming’s focus on specialist markets has required the development of specialist organic food chains, including producer groups, packers, processor and retailers to ensure the traceability and the maintenance of standards. The common commitment to organic standards encourages integration within the food chain, although there is scope for further improvement.

iii) facilitating innovation and access to R&D

Organic farming places renewed emphasis on traditional farming skills, management and applied biology/ecology, with organic producers needing to innovate to meet the specific challenges of organic standards while producing high quality, safe food. Increasing national and EU-funded R&D activity specifically targeted at organic farming is also relevant to non-organic producers

iv) encouraging the take-up and diffusion of information and communications technologies (ICT)

Organic farming can not be said to make a specific contribution in this area, although the management of box schemes and other direct marketing activities can require specialist ICT software and skills - many organic businesses are also engaged with internet marketing. There is significant scope to enhance the organic inspection and certification process, including traceability monitoring, through the application of ICT.

v) foster dynamic entrepreneurship (with the development of strategic and organisational skills and encouraging entry of young farmers)

Organic producers as well as specialist processing and marketing companies have demonstrated a high degree of entrepreneurship, because of the need to exploit specialist markets. This may reflect the pioneering nature of some of the individuals concerned, but there is evidence that a high proportion of young farmers and business people are engaged with organic food.

vi) developing new outlets for agricultural and forestry products (with emphasis on higher value added, non-food production and renewable energy)

Organic producers have made significant progress in developing high value-added food markets. There is less of an emphasis on non-food products, although medicinal and cosmetic herbs, fibres (wool, cotton, linen etc.) and ornamental plants are also produced organically. Organic forestry products are increasingly marketed as part of recognised sustainable forestry schemes. There is significant potential, as yet under-tapped, to develop organic renewable energy products – this would be compatible with organic farming sustainability objectives but also could make biofuel production less dependent on fossil energy inputs in the manufacture of pesticides and fertilisers.  

vii) improving the environmental performance of farms and forestry

Organic farming has been shown to make a significant contribution to improving the environmental impact of agriculture, with respect to reducing pollution, including greenhouse gas emissions, promoting biodiversity and sustaining agricultural landscapes.

Supporting generational renewal through targeting combinations of Axis 1 measures at young farmers

In many countries, organic farming is proving a popular option for young farmers taking over parental holdings, as well as for new entrants in agriculture.

 

 

3.2 Axis 2: Improving the environment and the countryside

Strategic goal

Contribution of organic farming

Guideline: resources should contribute to three priority areas:

1. biodiversity and preservation of high nature value farming and forestry systems and traditional agricultural landscapes;

2. water;

3. climate change;

 

 

 

 

- to be achieved by:

Organic farming has been shown to make a significant contribution to biodiversity in lowland areas, and is believed to be able to contribute to the preservation of high nature value farming and forestry systems, particularly through the financial advantage to be derived from specialist markets. In hill and upland systems there is still scope for debate due to the comparative lack of research in these contexts.

 

With respect to water, organic farming practices are encouraged by many water companies/authorities as a means of reducing pollution of water by pesticides and fertilisers and there is clear evidence that organic farming can contribute to improved water quality. The issue of reducing water consumption, particularly in low rainfall areas, is more complex, as some organic practices such as mulching can reduce water requirements, but the growing of high value crops such as vegetables tends to increase water use, which is not specifically addressed by organic standards. At the same time, organic practices encourage deeper rooting crops and reduced susceptibility to drought conditions, and arguably a reduced requirement for irrigation.

With respect to climate change, organic farming practice can make a positive contribution in three ways:

  1. by encouraging return of organic matter to soils and building soil organic matters levels, representing carbon sequestration;
  2. by reducing stocking rates and encouraging grass based diets leading to reduced methane and carbon dioxide emissions by livestock;
  3. by using fossil energy resources more efficiently, reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with their use. 

i) promoting environmental services and animal friendly farming practices

Organic farming standards require and deliver environmental protection (see above). The contribution to animal welfare is also potentially significant, as organic standards require free-range production and have specific standards for housing to encourage natural behaviour patterns. However, the full benefits for animals require a good understanding of issues, particularly with respect to health, and the effective development and implementation of animal health and welfare plans

ii) preserving the farmed landscapes and forests

Organic farming contributes to the preservation of the farmed landscape by maintaining the financial viability of small/family farms and be encouraging mixed systems, including mixed crops and livestock and mixed utilisation of grassland by cattle and sheep.

iii) combating climate change

Organic farming can contribute to combating climate change for the reasons outlined above.

iv) consolidating the contribution of organic farming, including reinforcing environmental and animal welfare contribution

This priority specifically addresses organic farming, recognising its potential contribution to the wider goals of rural development, but also recognises the need to continue developing (including through research) and reinforcing (through advice, training and standards) its potential contribution to environmental, animal welfare and other public good issues.

v) encouraging environmental/ economic win-win initiatives

By combining a high level of environmental performance with specialist markets for organic food, organic farming can act as a role model for such win-win initiatives.

vi) promoting territorial balance

This is a more complex priority to interpret and assess. Territorial balance can imply an appropriate mixture of economic activities as well as an appropriate balance of agricultural activities. Organic farming, by encouraging local processing and marketing activities, can contribute to a mixed economy, but this is not always the case if multinational food businesses dominate. Organic farming can also contribute to a more mixed agricultural sector, reducing the specialisation into arable in some regions and livestock in others, and re-establishing horticulture in areas which are no longer seen as viable conventionally.

 

3.3 Axis 3 Improving the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification

Guideline: Resources should contribute to the overarching priority of the creation of employment opportunities, by:

Organic farming has the potential to contribute to employment creation. Its potential at the farm level may have been overstated, but there is evidence that labour requirements are 10-20% higher on average on organic farms due to the presence of high value enterprises and that labour incomes are similar or higher than on conventional holdings. However, in some sectors, such as beef and sheep, this may not be the case. The employment potential associated with local processing and marketing initiatives, may be much more significant

i) raising economic activity and employment rates in the wider rural economy

See above.

EU Farm Structure Survey data show a higher level of non-farming activities (processing, retailing, tourism) on organic farms than on farms in general.

ii) encouraging the entry of women into the labour market

Women have a notably higher profile in organic farming than in other agricultural sectors, as developers of the concept, farmers and leaders of food chain businesses, although whether this can be sustained as the sector becomes more mainstream is open to question. There is an argument that the nature-friendly approach of organic farming is more in tune with the feminine, but organic standards do not specifically address gender issues and cannot prevent gender discrimination problems arising.

iii) putting the heart back into villages