APPENDIX 8
Memorandum submitted by Mr J P Walker
(F 9)
Thank you for the opportunity to give my opinions.
I believe common sense and a degree of flexibility is most important.
Organic farming must be possible, eg with vines
and hops, it is surely preferable to have farming using copper
sprays and producing organic produce in this country or in Europe
than reverting to inorganic methods because organic production
is not possible. Organic produce would then be imported from the
southern hemisphere where the disease pressure is less, and we
would lose the opportunity to supply our home market. Also the
conversion period must reflect the potential life of the crop.
We need a level playing field across Europe
for obvious reasons, and we must not lose sight of our aim which
is to have a sustainable form of agriculture, which is environmentally
positive and produces good quality, wholesome food.
5 June 2000
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