UWA36/00
Friday 7 July
Christine Gwyther launches Organic
Centre Wales
National Assembly Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Christine Gwyther AM, will be at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth on Monday 10 July to formally open Organic Centre Wales (OCW).
The new Centre, which will be based at the University's Institute of Rural Studies (IRS), has been established following the award of a £700,000 contract by the National Assembly for Wales, and will be run jointly by 5 partner organisations; ADAS Consulting Limited, the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER), Elm Farm Research Centre, the Soil Association and the University's Institute of Rural Studies (IRS).
Christine Gwyther will perform the opening ceremony by unveiling the Centre's logo, the free telephone and e-mail based Helpline advice service (01970 622100, organic-helpline@aber.ac.uk), and clicking into action the Centre's web site at
www.organic.aber.ac.uk.
Dr Nic Lampkin, Director of the new Centre said:
'The official opening of Organic Centre Wales is a major step forward in the development of the organic sector in Wales, and ensuring that more produce from Wales takes its place in a market which, in the UK alone, is expected to be worth over £1bn annually by 2001. Currently more than 70% of organic produce is imported.'
'Wales has an ambitious target of 10% of agriculture to be organic by 2005. Experiences in other countries have shown that easy access to quality information is an important way of improving farmers' confidence in their potential to convert and to contribute to meeting that target,' he added.
The new Centre will provide an important focal point for information on organic food and farming in Wales. It brings together key areas of research and development, training and education, the Organic Demonstration Farm Network, and advisory services, providing a one-stop shop for those working within the sector and those currently undergoing or considering conversion to organic production methods.
The results of current research and development programmes, which include organic milk production (IGER/IRS), organic hill livestock (ADAS), sheep parasite control (ADAS/IRS), economics of organic farming and policy (IRS) will be made available through technical publications and the Centre's web site.
It will co-ordinate a database of training courses aimed at producers, processors and professionals working within the agricultural sector. Current provision consists of a BSc Agriculture/Organic Agriculture degree at IRS, short courses in conversion planning and organic farming practice, and specialist seminars and conferences.
The recently launched Organic Demonstration Farm Network, which features 7 commercial and 4 institutional holdings will also feature as part of the Centre's portfolio of services, and amongst its longer-term objectives is the development of a network of mentor farmers to support those embarking on the conversion process.
The free Helpline to be launched by Christine Gwyther is one aspect of a comprehensive advice service the Centre will co-ordinate. On-farm advice will be delivered by experienced advisors from ADAS and the Organic Advisory Service, ensuring that farmers interested in or already in conversion receive up to date and practical information. This will include a free Business Financial Health Check, grant assistance for detailed conversion planning and free advice on organic grassland management provided by
IGER.
On a strategic and policy level the Centre will also provide specialist advice and consultancy services to the National Assembly for Wales, the Welsh Agri-Food Partnership, in particular its Organic Strategy Group, the Welsh Development Agency and the Countryside Council for Wales and a wide range of statutory bodies and commercial organisations.
Gareth Rowlands, Chairman of the Organic Strategy Group for the Welsh Agri-Food Partnership said:
'Organic Centre Wales is the key to developing the organic sector in Wales. The excellent track records already established by each of the partner organisations in delivering advice and undertaking research will ensure that the Centre will provide the firm foundation required for this development.'
Arwyn Davies, Programme Development Manager with the Food Directorate, said:
'The development of the organic sector in Wales is one of the key priorities of the Agri-Food Partnership.'
'We believe that the launch of Organic Centre Wales will provide a significant boost in helping us achieve the target of 10% of agricultural production in Wales being organic by 2005, and that it will provide those farmers interested in converting to organic production with the necessary information, training and support,' he added.
The Centre will have a high profile at this year's Royal Welsh Show as part of the Welsh Agri-Food Partnership's new Farm Development Stand, where advice on conversion, information on the full range of the Centre's activities, and information on marketing opportunities will be available.
To celebrate the opening of Organic Centre Wales, Christine Gwyther will be joined by over 100 guests for a specially prepared meal featuring a wide range of organic produce. This has been kindly sponsored by the WDA Food Directorate.
Further information:
ArthurDafis, Public Relations Officer, University of Wales, Aberystwyth
Tel: 01970 621763 e-mail: aid@aber.ac.uk
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