Brussels, 10/06/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday, the European Commission adopted an action plan to develop the market for organic agricultural products (see EUROPE of 9 June 2004, p.13, for the details of this strategy). "Promoting environmentally friendly quality products is one major objective of the new, reformed Common Agricultural Policy. This is why we want to boost organic farming by stepping up information for consumers, strengthening the control system and improving research", commented Commissioner Franz Fischler, who is to present this action plan to the Agriculture Ministers of the Member States of the EU on 21 June.
The action plan includes 21 initiatives, including: -the launch of a Community promotion campaign; -the creation of an Internet database comparing private, national, Community and international standards; -the option of topping up Community aid to organisations of organic fruit and vegetable producers, at national level; -continuing Community harmonisation (list of additives used in processed animal products; specific standards for wines); -a ban on GM products being labelled organic beyond the authorised contamination limits (and the option of setting specific thresholds for organic seeds); -improving inspection services, especially for imported products.
Within the European Union, organic agriculture represents some 2% of the value of total agricultural production. The estimated share of organic products in total sales of foodstuffs is also around 2%.