CENTRE FOR ORGANIC EXCELLENCE

Early day motion 963, tabled 12 July 2000 by Simon Thomas (Plaid Cymru). Signed by 50 members.

That this House welcomes the launch on 10th July of the Centre for Organic Excellence at the Welsh Institute for Rural Studies at the University of Wales Aberystwyth; commends the National Assembly for Wales for its foresight in investing ú600,000 in the Centre; notes that 17,000 hectares in Wales are now under organic conversion and that the Welsh action plan sets a target of 10 per cent. of Welsh agriculture to be organic by 2005; believes the centre can play a major role in supporting organic farmers in Wales achieve this aim by co-ordinating the very best training, access to information, and practical advice; and wishes the Centre's Director Dr Nic Lampkin and his staff well in their tasks.

Signatures by party: Labour 30, Liberal Democrat 11, Plaid Cymru 4, Scottish National Party 3, Labour/Co-operative 2.