Soil Association welcomes new payments for organic farmers

In response to the introduction of new payments for organic farmers in England, Peter Melchett, the Soil Association's policy director said:

"The Soil Association very warmly welcomes these new payments and we are very pleased that the Government has introduced them so quickly after they were recommended in last year's Organic Action Plan.

"These payments are made in recognition that organic farming delivers a range of benefits which have been acknowledged by the Government and other organisations and which are enjoyed by the whole of society. Organic farming has been shown to be better for wildlife, causes lower pollution from sprays, produces less carbon dioxide – the main global warming gas – and less dangerous wastes, has high animal welfare standards and increases jobs in the countryside.

"In two years time the organic strand of the entry level stewardship scheme will be introduced and these payments will provide substantially more support."