The forum meets every three months to discuss a variety of subjects facing organic members across England and Wales.
The forum last met on the 8th of December 2016, with a packed agenda, including discussions on the Soil Association Standards Consultation, and update on NFU innovation work from Sam Durham, NFU chief land management adviser and a tour of departments across NFU HQ.
One of the key concerns raised was regarding the lack of data and statistical information available on organic production. The forum would like to see tagging of organic lambs which have been graded down to conventional in order to better understand the demand of the market. . Lambs are currently making good prices if they are achieving retail specified premium standards, however with some supermarkets reducing the amount of organic they are selling coupled with an unclear future trade agreement following Brexit, organic farmers across all sectors, would benefit greatly from clear and transparent market data. The NFU will now embark on pushing for this going forward.
The reoccurring theme from all forum members was the concern Brexit brings from a trade perspective. The NFU are working relentlessly to ensure that the food and farming industries work together to put a clear message across to Government.
Chief Food Chain Adviser Ruth Mason, reassured the forum that the NFU are continuing regular contact with the top 10 UK retailers and food manufacturers to establish a clearer view post-Brexit, with particular concerns on labour and trade. A recent letter lead by the NFU and sent to the Prime Minister calling on Government to realise the opportunities of Brexit for the UKs largest manufacturing sector, (food and farming combined) co-signed by 75 of the UKs largest food production organisations, with a turnover more than £92 billion and employing almost a million people highlighted the joint call for continued access to labour and best possible Single Market access after Brexit. To read more click here.
The English Organic Forum, which NFU forum chair Tom Rigby sits on, has also written a joint industry letter to Government, with individuals shortly meeting with DEFRA to discuss this further.
Members within the forum highlighted concerns regarding the Soil Associations proposed standards on disbudding and dehorning mentioning the potential animal welfare stockman and vet welfare risks. Whilst members of the public do contribute to the SA standards board, it was felt that they needed to understand reasons why farmers dehorn and disbud. The Soil Association confirmed that these standards are only proposals currently. The proposals are a wish list and will need further substance and direction before being rolled out and implemented. The NFU have submitted member thoughts into this consultation, which closed mid- December. Following a review of the responses, the SA have events planned to go through responses, below the final standards are proposed.
Dairy farmers were pleased however to see Arla launch an organic milk brand late 2016. Arla are continuing to launch this into further into UK stores which is a positive step for the organic industry as a whole. Livestock farmers will also be pleased to learn M&S sales of organic beef have increased significantly and are currently procuring higher than average volumes.
Finally, the forum toured varying departments within HQ to understand in depth the breadth of the NFU work. Members heard from Call First, Membership, Environment, Science & Regulatory Affairs, Press Office and Publication teams and where pleased with the variety of workloads the NFU are and have been, involved in. Forum members have now been encouraged to highlight this work to other members.
The next forum meeting will be held in March. Click here to meet your Organic Forum, or email TkZVT3JnYW5pY0BuZnUub3JnLnVr to get in touch.