Allister supports organic farmers in Northern Ireland
10 March 2005
Today, Jim Allister made the following speech in the European Parliament
Allister (NI). – Mr President, I welcome this debate because, following the reform of the CAP, farmers need to look at alternative methods of increasing farm incomes. For some farmers this could be organic farming.
In Northern Ireland we have a small but determined organic sector. Local supply and local branding are keys to success. There is little point in the farmers in the United Kingdom diversifying into organic production only to be undermined by products from South America coming in at a lower cost. Products from outside the United Kingdom may be organically produced, though in truth little is known as to whether environmental damage is done in producing some of those goods. The number of air miles involved in transporting the products is also a consumer concern. Those issues need to be factored into the WTO negotiations.
I am also concerned about United Kingdom organic farmers being undermined by products from Eastern European countries. Again, short food miles and local branding are essential.
Click to view this and other speeches made by Jim Allister in the European Parliament
