Falkland Islands-Organic by 2010.

FALKLANDS.

FARMING GOES ORGANIC.

Ten Falklands Island farms, have registered to convert their farm production units to internationally recognized organic status.

Should all go well, this means that 40% of the farms will have organic status by 2010.

Agricultural advisor Ian Campbell, from the Falklands Islands Government Department of Agriculture, said the reason for the move is "It is hoped that premiums will be paid for organic wool and meat in the future, as it is now around 15%.There are accreditation costs they need to cover but it is hoped by them that the overall effect is an increase in farm profitability".

He went on to say, "I guess people are very interested in organic food and fiber for what they see as ethical health and environmental reasons and are willing to pay a premium price. For many parts of the world due to livestock and crop diseases, and the pressure to earn the most money out of expensive and limited land resources is high, so it is difficult to produce organic products. The Falkland Islands are in a unique position in that regards".

The Islands are also planning to go organic, with their wool supplies