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What is Organic Centre Wales (OCW)? OCW is the national resource for consumers, farmers and policy makers committed to more sustainable food and farming in Wales. Set up in 2000, it delivers projects to support and develop the organic sector. About the Centre.
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Organic: Better businessWelsh organic conference, 27 October 2011, LlanelweddOver 90 delegates attended a day of talks and workshops at this year's Welsh organic conference.The theme was improving business performance in the organic sector and strengthening its economic, social and environmental sustainability, as well as food security and business co-operation. The conference built on the Better Organic Business Links project which Organic Centre Wales is running on behalf of the organic sector.  Speaking at the conference, the Deputy Minister said: “The Welsh Government has a long history of providing support to organic farmers through the Organic Farming Conversion Scheme, the Better Organic Business Links project and the Farming Connect scheme, which are all helping farmers to deliver products of excellent quality as the True Taste awards recognised this year. “Organic farming is a growing industry in Wales, with 8.5% of Welsh farmland now being farmed organically compared to 4.5% across the UK. An increasing number of farmers are recognising the added value that organic food can bring as well as the environmental benefits and I am pleased that the Welsh Government is supporting them to do this." Sue Fowler said: “Throughout the day participants embraced the opportunity to share ideas and best practices with other organic businesses. The main purpose of the conference was achieved as participants explored new concepts to help their organic businesses to thrive. “The day-long conference was full of lively discussion, great food and stimulating company.” What did you think of the conference? Take part in a survey Plenary sessionsMorning Chair: Sue Fowler, Organic Centre Wales Eirwen Williams, Menter a Busnes: Farming Connect support for the organic sector Helen Browning, Soil Association: A strategy for the future Afternoon Alun Davies, AM, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and European Programmes. Workshops1. Choosing your outlets Jenny Collins, Soil Association: Catering Mark and Food for Life Sion Hughes, Mabis: How to win tenders in the public sector Workshop report 2. How to stay in business Jane Warren, Abaca: Tools for sustainability Susanne Padel, ORC: Business ethics. See related paper. Kevin Thomas, Lantra: Welsh Food and Drink Skills Project Workshop report 3. Different farming models Philip Meade, Share cropping agreements Jade Bashford, Soil Association: Secure alternative markets Gwenan Ellis, Whole Farm Plans Workshop report 4. Managing internal parasites in organic systems – a joint workshop with Farming Connect and OCW Heather McCalman, IBERS: Organic grassland management and animal health Eurion Thomas, Innovis: Monitoring parasite burdens Mair Morgan, ADAS: Internal parasites of sheep. 5. EU Policies and perspectives Susanne Padel, ORC: Member States' policy support for organic farming (presentation not available) Nic Lampkin, ORC: CAP Reform Sian Hughes, Welsh Government: EU policy and Wales Workshop report 6. Securing our food supply Simon Bilsborough, Welsh Government: Sustainable development and food policy Peter Harper, CAT: Zero Carbon Britain Steve Garrett, Riverside Commmunity Market Association: Workshop report 7. Selling organic – What is the market for organic in Wales? Alwena Hughes Moakes, Indeg PR Using social media to boost your business Huw Bowles, Organic Trade Board Generic marketing campaigns Lucy Watkins, OCW: Selling organic in Wales Workshop report Providing information on organic food and farming in Wales
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