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Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Answer

Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what European Union funding is available to support farmers to encourage non-use of pesticides on crops; and what recent discussions have taken place with EU representatives regarding organic foods. [115136] Mr. Morley: The EU co-funds the Countryside Stewardship, Environmentally Sensitive Area and Organic Farming Schemes under the England Rural Development Programme (ERDP). These agri- environment schemes offer a range of management options primarily designed to achieve a range of objectives including protecting and enhancing bio- diversity, wildlife, landscape, historic environment and access. Some of these Schemes do place restrictions on the use of pesticides where it is necessary to achieve these objectives. Agreements are however, not offered solely for the non-use of pesticides. It is our intention to integrate continuing support for Organic Farmers into the new Entry Level Agri- environment Scheme, due to be launched in 2005. This is currently under development and being discussed with stakeholders now. The proposals will be discussed with the European Commission later this year.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

115136; 406 c417W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Crops EU action Pesticides Organic farming Subsidies Agri-environment action plan Rural development programme

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk