New scheme could hit organic farmers (From Gazette & Herald)

New scheme could hit organic farmers

HUNDREDS of pioneering organic farmers in North Yorkshire will be massively disadvantaged as a result of the new single payment scheme, according to the Soil Association.

The group has warned that up to 200 long-standing organic farmers and 600 organic dairy farmers will be affected as they will not receive the same level of payments as other farmers and will be denied access to compensation.

The Soil Association - the UK's main promoter and certifier of organic food and farming - is calling on the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) and the Welsh Assembly to address this issue by releasing the money needed.

The Soil Association would like to hear from organic farmers who may be affected. To contact them call (0117) 9142400.

Updated: 11:34 Wednesday, February 23, 2005