Written question asked by David Kidney (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 March 2001. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 March 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what systems are in place for the monitoring and evaluation of the schemes for converting to organic farming funded by the Government, with particular regard to the effect on yields.

Answer: Mr. Kidney: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what systems are in place for the monitoring and evaluation of the schemes for converting to organic farming funded by the Government, with particular regard to the effect on yields. [153164] Mr. Morley: An evaluation of the Organic Farming Scheme, which will contribute to the interim evaluation of the English Rural Development Programme, will begin in the summer of 2001. The study will aim to provide a comprehensive evaluation of MAFF's policies relating to conversion to organic production, including the rationale for such intervention and the effectiveness and efficiency achieved in meeting policy objectives. However, achieving particular yields either by farm or in total is not one of the objectives of the scheme.

Secondary information