New farmer-led fund announces first research grants (08-05-2013)
The Soil Association announces the winners of the first of their farmer-led innovative research grants funded by the Duchy Originals Future Farming Programme.
Research is more crucial than ever to agriculture as the industry strives to farm sustainably in the face…
Full story
 Providing information on organic food and farming in Wales | ||
 
|
 NewsWelcome to the news page, where you can find out about developments in the organic sector in Wales and beyond. If you would like to submit a news item for this page, please contact . If you would like to receive either of our monthly e-mail bulletins, to keep up to date with news items and ways to be involved with organicsclick here. General news – Earlier storiesShow: All news General news News for producers News for consumers News for businesses Small Changes, Big Difference for Organic September (07-05-2013)
The Soil Association is asking organic brands and retailers to start sharing their ideas for this year’s Organic September. Now in its fifteenth year, this month-long celebration of all things organic gets a new theme and a brand new look for… Full story Organic Farming Scheme agreements extended to 31 December 2014. (07-05-2013)
The Welsh Government is offering to extend OFS agreements until the end of 2014. This applies to all OFS agreement holders, including those that did not accept the previous offer to extend to the end of this year. Letters have… Full story Wonderful Wool! (07-05-2013)
Wonderwool Wales took place on the 27th & 28TH April at the Royal Welsh Showground and featured a fantastic showcase of the BOBL Organic Wool Wales project. Aimed at highlighting the exciting opportunities for organic wool in Wales is a… Full story Welsh action plan to halt decline in bees (03-05-2013)
Welsh Ministers want to encourage green spaces, allotments and gardens to boost Wales’ bee population. The value of pollinators to the UK government is estimated to be £430m a year, but populations have been on the decline for 30… Full story Organic farmer appointed to the DairyCo board (12-04-2013)
The Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has appointed three members to its DairyCo board. Dairy farmers Janette Prince, David Cotton and Tim Gue will join Chairman Tim Bennett and the eight existing board members to develop strategies that determine the… Full story Welsh pollinator plan aims to curb bee losses (12-04-2013)
A NEW Centre of Excellence for pollinators is being proposed in an action plan to halt the loss of bees in Wales. Consultations launched by the Welsh Government this week also include plans to improve flowering habitats across farmland. This may involve… Full story Calon Wen launch the first bottled milk vending machine (03-04-2013)
Calon Wen launched their very first vending machine, home to delicious organic milk, butter and cheese produced by the Co-operatives family farmers milk. It is situated outside one of their farmer’s local shops in Holt Wrexham, the farmer thought of… Full story Natural and Organic Products, 7-8 April in Olympia, London (02-04-2013)
The BOBL project is offering to contribute up to £150 (subject to provision of valid receipts) for travel and subsistence for Welsh organic businesses who want to attend the Natural and Organic Products trade fair on 7-8 April 2013 in… Full story Green Dragon’s Den (02-04-2013)
Green Dragon’s Den Part of Hay on Earth, this year’s Green Dragons’ Den will see two imaginative projects in Wales awarded up to £15,000 funding from Welsh Government and UnLtd. Over two days, shortlisted projects will go head to head to… Full story Reports reveal areas of growth and challenges in organic sales (20-03-2013)
The Organic Market Report published today (20th March)by the Soil Association highlights key areas of growth in online retail, independent outlets and a shift towards younger consumers during 2012. Overall, the market has dipped by 1.5% as the UK… Full story A growing success for every child (28-02-2013)
Horticulture is set to become part of the national curriculum from 2014, giving every schoolchild a chance to grow their own food. It follows a campaign from charity Garden Organic that began in 2011 to lead the government-backed Food Growing in… Full story ORC Conference presentations ‘Making producer-led innovation a reality’ (28-02-2013)
Making producer-led innovation a reality The ORC’s annual Organic Producers’ Conference took place in January and brought together organic and other producers interested in ecological approaches to sustainable food production, with researchers and advisers to share ideas on making agriculture perform… Full story "Best training in 12 years" (28-02-2013)
Several organic businesses joined the OCW team on the 19th February to take part in a media training course, covering broadcast and social media. Delegates left the course equipped with essential techniques for dealing with broadcast interviews in order… Full story Ready Steady Grow for Community Supported Agriculture (27-02-2013)
Community supported agriculture (CSA) groups, from as far afield as China gathered in South Wales on the 23rd February to join forces and work in partnership to ensure their long term success. Organised by the Federation of City Farms &… Full story Reach new potential customers with the Catering Mark Supplier Scheme (27-02-2013)
Over 600,000 Catering Mark meals are now served every day in schools, hospitals, universities, nurseries and staff restaurants across the UK. As the Catering Mark grows, so does demand for products that meet the Standards. The Catering Mark Supplier… Full story Tough Tomatoes – Research suggests organic tomatoes are healthier (25-02-2013)
A news research study suggests that organic tomatoes are healthier than conventional tomatoes. The increased concentrations of vitamin C and chronic disease fighting compounds is thought to be a result of their ‘tough upbringing’. Conventional tomatoes are pampered in comparison… Full story Wanted! Research into slugs, thistles, TB and much more (25-02-2013)
DUCHY ORIGINALS FUTURE FARMING PROGRAMME Farmers and growers were not short of ideas when asked by the Soil Association to suggest topics that they would like to be researched. Topics ranged from weed control and animal welfare to tackling the spread… Full story The Great Food Debate (19-02-2013)
In January, the Women’s Institute held an event at the National Assembly of Wales to launch a new project on food security. Speakers included ALun Davies AM, Nick Fenwick of the FUW, Terry Marsden of Cardiff University and Patrick Holden… Full story Community Supported Agriculture groups join forces for long term success (15-02-2013)
Community supported agriculture (CSA) groups, from as far afield as China are gathering in South Wales on the 23rd February to join forces and work in partnership to ensure their long term success. Organised by the Federation of City Farms… Full story School visits training courses (CEVAS) (13-02-2013)
Are you a farmer, smallholder or community gardener who is interested in hosting school visits? Or do you work for an organization that runs countryside visits for schools? CEVAS is a well established training scheme which includes health and safety,… Full story Growing the Future – grow your own food (07-02-2013)
The Botanic Garden has launched a website for its new project, Growing the Future, which will be organizing gardening courses around Wales and online. They say: "If you love the happy hubbub of a class, or prefer to learn online in… Full story Consumer attitudes survey (21-01-2013)
The BOBL project is about to embark on a reprise of the survey conducted by Beaufort Research into the attitudes of consumers to organic produce from Wales. The report will review Kantar Worldpanel data for the 12 months ending… Full story Completion of business dialogues (21-01-2013)
BOBL Project Officers have now completed the Business Dialogue and the conclusions are being summarised in a report. The main Business Dialogue was conducted during the autumn of 2010 and an abbreviated version was repeated during the autumn of… Full story Christine Tacon appointed as Groceries Code Adjudicator (21-01-2013)
Consumer and Competition Minister Jo Swinson today announced that Christine Tacon has been appointed to the newly created role as the independent Groceries Code Adjudicator. In her new role Ms Tacon will be responsible for enforcing the Groceries Supply Code of… Full story Media Training: Making the most of broadcast and social media 19 Feb 2013,Penpont, Brecon. (17-01-2013)
OCW is delivering a Media Training day for organic businesses on the 19th February 2013, as part of the BOBL project. This course is a rare chance to work with professional news broadcasters and will give you the confidence… Full story Support for attending Biofach 2013 (16-01-2013)
The BOBL project has limited funding to support businesses who wish to visit Biofach for in 2013. Time is short with the four day event kicking off on February 13 2013. The BOBL project has canvassed support from organic businesses… Full story Open for entries – Organic Grower of the Year 2013 (10-01-2013)
The Organic Grower of the Year Award 2013 is open for entries until the end of January. Organic Grower of the Year – is open to growers of top fruit, salads, soft fruit and vegetables Awarded to the grower that most impresses… Full story The Soil Association puts farmers in the driving seat of research (08-01-2013)
The Soil Association recently announced the launch of a £125,000 fund that puts farmers and growers in the driving seat of new research. The research fund is part of the Duchy Originals Future Farming Programme which supports innovation in… Full story Retail and Sales Networking event and Training course 5 March 2013 (08-01-2013)
OCW has an exciting training opportunity for 2013, which we have developed by working closely with a number of organic businesses. There is no charge for this training which is provided as part of the BOBL project. The training will include… Full story Sustainable Food Communites activity reports now available on-line (17-12-2012)
The final report on the Sustainable Food Communities (SFC) project was published to the Organic Centre Wales website in July 2012. The reports of the individual activities supported by the project have now been completed and are available on-line…. Full story Staff changes at Organic Centre Wales (14-12-2012)
Since Organic Centre Wales lost its core funding last December, it is now responsible for a single project, Better Organic Business Links (BOBL). As a result it was necessary to reduce the number of staff, and Sue Fowler, Lucy Watkins… Full story Mobile farm shop (14-12-2012)
Mobile Farm Shop ‘Get Ffresh’ is a new venture in Cardiff that sells organic vegetables from the Riverside Market Garden as well as soups, jams, cheese and bread. It visits Llandough Hospital and Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, on Wednesdays and is… Full story Organic Producers’ Conference (14-12-2012)
The Organic Research Centre, Elm Farm, is organizing a two-day conference on 22/23 January on the theme of ‘Making producer-led innovation a reality’. It will provides an opportunity to hear about and debate new ideas that are already being investigated,… Full story Permaculture in Wales (13-12-2012)
Calling all land-based projects in Wales! Are you interested in learning more about sustainability or permaculture and networking with like-minded people? Is your site a great demonstration of permaculture in practice? Would you like to learn more about how you can… Full story Learning about food and farming in Monmouthshire (11-12-2012)
As part of the BOBL school meals project in Monmouthshire, OCW has been running workshops in six primary schools. Pupils have been tasting apples, making personal food maps and compiling questionnaires for farmers, shopkeepers and others. Next term they will… Full story Consumers continue to over estimate the cost of organic food (06-12-2012)
The Organic Centre Wales (OCW) recently conducted a survey at The Royal Welsh Winter Fair in Builth Wells on the 26th & 27th November which highlighted the common misconceptions of the cost of organic food. Staff at the Organic… Full story ORGANIC CAMPAIGN PUTS CHRISTMAS TURKEYS UNDER THE MICROSCOPE (25-11-2012)
Welsh families are being encouraged to do their research before ordering their Christmas turkeys, as part of the latest phase of a national publicity campaign by Organic Centre Wales (OCW). OCW is inviting consumers to “Treasure our Turkeys” and visit the… Full story OCW publish marketing toolkit (21-11-2012)
Organic Centre Wales has published a PR and Marketing Toolkit to the OCW website. The toolkit brings together the course materials developed for the Media Training courses offered to organic businesses. It also tells businesses how they can… Full story Organic school milk campaign (08-11-2012)
Hi Peak Organic Feeds is spearheading a campaign to get organic milk into schools. It believes more should be done to promote the benefits of organic food and wants organic milk on school menus. This is great opportunity to highlight… Full story Welsh Organics Taste Success at True Taste Awards (02-11-2012)
Organic businesses across Wales tasted success last week, at this year’s Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards. The award ceremony is in its 11th year and was hosted by the Welsh Government at The Royal Welsh Showground,… Full story Food in a recession (12-10-2012)
‘Food and food festivals in a recession’ was the title of a conference organized by Miller Research in association with the Abergavenny Food Festival in September. Speakers included Alun Davies AS and Kim Walters of the Food Festival. Ruth Tudor, an… Full story Fun Farm walks help to promote local Ceredigion produce (20-09-2012)
Over 100 children and adults from all over the UK took part in guided farm walks over the summer holidays. The walks took place at Treberfedd Organic Farm, near Dihewyd, Lampeter and were led by farmer Jack Cockburn and stockman… Full story Organic Campaign Comes Back with a “Baaaaa” (05-09-2012)
Wales’s first advertising campaign to promote the benefits of buying organic produce is set to return today (Monday 3rd September) to mark the start of National Organic Month in the UK, as posters featuring two new ‘characters’ start appearing at… Full story Making the most of protein crops: De hulling peas and beans. (30-08-2012)
Organic Centre Wales has been looking at how removing the hulls of home grown protein crops such as peas and beans can improve the quality of home grown protein crops and reduce reliance on imported soya. We’ve looked at the… Full story Shows and food festivals (10-08-2012)
Organic Centre Wales will have a stand at the Mold and Conwy food festivals this autumn, and will also be visiting Abergavenny and some of the county shows this summer. See our Events page. Full story Sustainable agriculture at the Eisteddfod (10-08-2012)
OCW was part of a display in the new Green Field of the Eisteddfod this year, with information on organic food on a stand organized by the Permaculture Association, and also in the e-Coleg. Here is a child placing a… Full story New organic blog by David Frost (10-08-2012)
OCW now has a new blog on its Facebook page, from organic consultant and producer David Frost. David is a senior organic consultant with ADAS, a science-based, environmental and rural consultancy, and a partner of Organic Centre Wales. Dave, and… Full story Medicinal plants in Wales (10-08-2012)
A French researcher wants to find out more about the production of medicinal plants in other countries and has asked us to circulate information about a questionnaire. For more information please contact E-mail: laurie dot anne dot coste At gmail dot… Full story Royal Welsh Show 2012 (10-08-2012)
Over 240,000 visitors visited the Show this year, enjoying activities and events in blazing sunshine. Our stand in the Countryside Care Area was well attended, with stands from the three certification bodies and representatives from other organisations. Displays included a… Full story Prince Charles visits organic businesses (10-08-2012)
During Prince Charles’ trip to Wales a couple of weeks ago he visited two organic producers in Ceredigion. Firstly he went to Felin Ganol in Llanrhystud, where he saw the mill in action, inspected some of the restoration work… Full story Making organic feed more sustainable (10-08-2012)
As part of the BOBL project, Organic Centre Wales has been looking at ways in which organic feed, especially poultry feed, can become more sustainable. This short film outlines some of the key issues and the following publications take a… Full story OCW and BOBL publications August 2012 (06-08-2012)
A comprehensive list of recent publications has been published to the OCW website. The list includes reports on Sustainable Food Communities, Public Sector Procurement, technical information for producers and material communicating the benefits of organic produce. Download the summary document… Full story Study highlights need for organic education in Wales (01-08-2012)
A survey has found that almost one third of Welsh children had never heard of organic food and only half could identify any characteristics of food produced using organic farming and production methods. The study, commissioned by Organic Centre Wales as… Full story Prince Charles supports organic and local food (01-08-2012)
Prince Charles, speaking at a conference on Welsh food and farming at the National Botanic Garden of Wales on 12 July, has called for more Welsh food to be served in schools and hospitals, and expressed support for organic… Full story Jeanette Orrey at the Royal Welsh Show (01-08-2012)
Jeanette Orrey, one of the UK’s most widely respected and inspirational experts on school food policy, spoke on Local Food for Local Schools at the Royal Welsh this year in a seminar organized by Organic Centre Wales (OCW). Jeanette is… Full story OCW at the Royal Welsh: School meals guru headlines as organic food gets a boost (16-07-2012)
Jeanette Orrey, one of the UK’s most widely respected and inspirational experts on school food policy, will be speaking on Local Food for Local Schools at the Royal Welsh next week in a seminar organized by Organic Centre Wales (OCW)…. Full story The 7th International Green Awards – call for entries (16-07-2012)
This year, the programme is raising the benchmark for sustainability by awarding organisations for their overall holistic sustainability strategy and empowering vision. As part of the process, entrants will benefit from a free sustainability review and feedback on the… Full story EU organic leaf logo now compulsory (16-07-2012)
The new EU organic logo is compulsory from 1 July 2012 onwards on all pre-packed organic food products that meet the necessary standards, Europolitics reports. Operators had a two-year transition period to adapt to the new rules in order to… Full story Royal Welsh Show will go on (16-07-2012)
The Royal Welsh Show, the UK’s biggest agricultural event, will go ahead as usual and there is no truth in rumours that it will be cancelled because of the wet weather, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society has confirmed. Full story USA: Organics gain clout in export markets (16-07-2012)
Organics have moved well beyond the niche of farmers markets and health food stores to become an important sector in the U.S. economy and the next big commodity class to watch, the Organic Trade Association said. U.S. Department of… Full story Mapping Welsh Orchards (26-06-2012)
The People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is co-ordinating a project to map the traditional orchards of Wales. Orchards are hotspots for biodiversity and support a wide range of wildlife including many species which are nationally rare or scarce, including… Full story Sign up to the Gwynedd Food Charter (13-06-2012)
The Gwynedd Food Charter, which is supported by the BOBL project, was launched by Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas at the Urdd Eisteddfod on Wednesday 6 June. Cynthia Hughes of Sustainable Gwynedd Cynaliadwy Ltd said: “Food is central to the livelihoods, culture and… Full story New Campaign Encourages Shoppers to Choose Organic (12-06-2012)
A new marketing campaign, launching in Wales today (11 June), will set out to convince Welsh consumers of the benefits of selecting produce that is produced organically. The campaign, managed by Organic Centre Wales (OCW), will be the first of its… Full story Wrexham local food project goes from strength to strength (29-05-2012)
It may come as a surprise to learn that Wrexham, thought of by many as an industrial county, is rapidly establishing itself as a hotbed of activity when it comes to local produce. To help increase opportunities for the many food… Full story Developing the next generation of rural leaders (24-04-2012)
Farming Connect is to extend the reach of its Agri-Academy programme. The second element of the Agri-Academy, the Rural Leadership Programme, has been designed to develop a new generation of leaders, and is looking for 15 candidates who have… Full story Sustainability toolkit (18-04-2012)
Organic Centre Wales has developed a new sustainability toolkit for organic business in Wales. The toolkit has been posted out to businesses and is available for download. The BOBL team will be out on the road meeting organic businesses in… Full story Hay on Earth – the Dragon Series 5-9 June 2012 (18-04-2012)
In 2012, the Green Dragon’s Den event will be running for the third year, with up to £40,000 grant funding from Welsh Government available to help winning projects in Wales (up to £10,000 maximum for the winning project in each… Full story Linking farmers and consumers in Wales (18-04-2012)
We are all familiar with the idea of farmers working in partnership, but what about partnerships between producers and their local communities? This is the big idea behind Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and it’s one that is catching on. The… Full story Royal Welsh Spring Festival 19-20 May (17-04-2012)
Come and visit Organic Centre Wales in the Green Horizon Sustainable Living Area, which is in the new food hall at the Royal Welsh Showground. See www.rwas.co.uk/en/garden-festival for full details. Full story Cardiff Sustainable Food Charter launched (16-04-2012)
A Sustainable Food Charter for Cardiff was launched on 3 April, as part of the BOBL project. The Charter aims to promote a diverse and sustainable food culture in the city and get more people buying local Welsh produce, and provides… Full story Soil Association conference reports (16-04-2012)
For reports of the conference on 2 March in London, see www.soilassociation.org/conference. Full story Natural resource management in Wales: consultation (16-04-2012)
The Welsh Government is seeking views on proposed changes to the governance and delivery of the management and regulation of the environment in Wales, based on the ecosystem approach. An ecosystem is all the living things, and how they interact,… Full story Education about the food supply chain (16-04-2012)
It’s often said that the public needs more education about how food is produced, so that they can make good choices about what food to buy. However, really effective education needs to take into account the attitudes and values that are… Full story Job opportunity at Organic Research Centre, Elm Farm (02-04-2012)
The Organic Research Centre – Elm Farm is looking to appoint a research assistant to work with the crops team based at our eastern site, Wakelyns Agroforestry, in Suffolk. The contract would be for 6 – 12 months… Full story Farming Connect agri-academy (17-02-2012)
Are you a young organic farmer interested in a new opportunity? The Farming Connect Agri Academy provides young people with the information and knowledge to help them develop successful farming and forestry businesses. More information on the Menter a Busnes… Full story Open Farm Sunday 17 June 2012 (17-02-2012)
LEAF are organizing two events to prepare for Open Farm Sunday: Open Farm Sunday Refresher Event YFC Building Royal Welsh Showground Builth Wells 22nd Feb 7.00-9.00pm Open Farm Sunday Workshop at Court Farm Llanthony Abergavenny 15th May 2012. If you wish to attend… Full story Schmallenberg virus – a novel viral disease (17-02-2012)
A new virus called Schmallenberg virus has been reported in cattle, sheep and goats. This virus appears to belong to a group of viruses that are spread by insects, mostly midges and mosquitoes. Farmers and vets have been made aware of… Full story Organic farming statistics (16-02-2012)
At the end of 2010, about 8% of Welsh agricultural land was fully organic or in conversion. The area under organic management increased by more than 50% during 2006-10, but the area under conversion fell during 2010, producing an overall… Full story Organic Research conference, Birmingham (16-02-2012)
OCW attended the Organic Research Centre – Elm Farm’s annual conference in Birmingham in January. We were able to present information from the Better Organic Business Links project concerning improving the sustainability of the supply chain, and Sue chaired… Full story Farming Connect programme (16-02-2012)
OCW Director Sue Fowler is on the Strategic Advisory Board for the Farming Connect project run by Menter a Busnes. The second meeting, held on 15th February, discussed priorities for the programme. The demonstration farm network includes organic… Full story Aspiring to Supply Chain Sustainability (01-02-2012)
A presentation given by Sue Fowler, Director OCW, to a workshop at the Elm Farm Organic Research Centre conference held on 16&17 January 2012 at Aston University, Birmingham. Full story OCW loses core funding (31-01-2012)
Welsh Government funding for the Organic Conversion Information Service (OCIS) ceased on 31 December 2011. This means there is no longer a free dedicated service to help farmers who are considering organic certification. It is not clear if the… Full story School farmers market on Anglesey (30-01-2012)
Many schools in Wales have now organized their own farmers markets, helping children learn about food and business and promoting organic and local food. One of them is Valley Primary School in Anglesey, who also visited an organic farm. See… Full story Horticulture survey (26-01-2012)
ADAS and Horticulture Wales are inviting horticultural producers to take part in a survey of horticulture in Wales. To complete the survey, please follow this link: Horticulture survey It will only take 10-15 minutes. Horticulture is a varied and dispersed sector in… Full story Using the internet to develop your business (25-01-2012)
Using blogs, Twitter and Facebook to help your business was the subject of a free BOBL training course held recently at Betws-y-Coed. We will run more of these courses if there is demand, so please let us know. Also, have you… Full story Sustainability Toolkit (23-01-2012)
We have developed a new sustainability toolkit for organic businesses in Wales which will be published during February. The toolkit will help to support you improve your business sustainability by taking a step by step approach, and by understanding why… Full story Distributing organic food in north Wales (10-01-2012)
North Wales distribution firm Delsol signed a deal with Rhug Estates Organic Farm in Corwen before Christmas to deliver a wide range of organic produce to homes around the UK. “There is a huge demand for North Wales produce both… Full story Care farming in Wales (10-01-2012)
The Institute for Rural Health has published a report on the scope for developing care farming in Wales. In recent years care farming (the use of farms to provide therapeutic services, for instance for people with mental illness) has grown… Full story Sustainable Development Bill (05-01-2012)
The Welsh Government is committed to legislate on sustainable development in its Legislation Programme. This would •Make sustainable development the centre of all activities and decisions of the Welsh Government and public bodies in Wales; and •Create an independent sustainable development… Full story CAP reform consultation – Get involved (03-01-2012)
Alun Davies, the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes, has extended an invitation to the Welsh public to comment on Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) reform and published a discussion paper to stimulate the debate. Tony Little from… Full story Making organic poultry feed more sustainable (07-12-2011)
Organic Centre Wales has commissioned the Organic Research Centre – Elm Farm to assess the contribution that UK produced sunflower and oil seed rape (OSR) can make to organic poultry rations. At present many organic poultry systems rely heavily on imported… Full story Organic producers’ conference 2012 18 Jan 2012 (07-12-2011)
The Organic Research Centre Elm Farm (a partner in Organic Centre Wales) is holding its 6th annual organic producers conference on 18-19 January at Aston University, Birmingham. The conference will be of interest to all organic producers and businesses. Details of… Full story New organic care farm in Pembrokeshire (07-12-2011)
A new care farming enterprise is opening at Clynfyw, an organic farm in north Pembrokeshire. Care farming means using farming practices for therapeutic purposes, in this case providing vulnerable adults an opportunity to develop new skills and confidence through… Full story Daioni milk links to Welsh rugby (07-12-2011)
Welsh organic flavoured milk brand Daioni has struck a three-year deal to become the Wales Rugby League’s official community partner. The Daioni brand will now appear on the back of the Wales national shirt and on clothing worn by Wales… Full story Organic businesses win training awards (02-12-2011)
Two organic businesses were among the winners of the Lantra Land-based Learner of the Year Awards 2011. Jack Bottoms won the Young Learner of the Year Land Management and Production. Jack’s family own the Esgair Timber Company near Machynlleth, one of… Full story OCW at the Winter fair (02-12-2011)
OCW added a new string to its bow this year, with a new consumer focused stand in the food hall in addition to our usual station up on the balcony of the livestock building. We were joined at the latter… Full story Poultry derogations (01-12-2011)
The EU Commission has failed to reach agreement over the ending of derogations that a) permit up to 5% of non organic ingredients to be used in organic poultry feed, and b) allow the use of part-organic pullets where organically… Full story Organic support in the current RDP (01-12-2011)
A number of enquiries at the Winter Fair suggests that there is still uncertainty among farmers over the arrangements for OFS and OFCS agreement holders during the ‘transitional’ period leading up to the next Rural Development Plan (RDP). The key… Full story Community growing survey (08-11-2011)
The Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens is interested in obtaining some feedback from community growing groups and organisations that in some way support community growing initiatives in Wales. In order to do this, they have put together an… Full story Organic: Better Business Conference (08-11-2011)
A report of our recent conference is now available here. Over 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,… Full story Dairy farmers (08-11-2011)
If you are thinking of expanding… Following the vigorous discussions around the proposed Nocton dairy the Environment Agency has prepared a Position Statement on new or expanding dairy units. It outlines legislation that might apply and lists information the EA… Full story Better Organic Business Links – update (08-11-2011)
We have had a review of the project and the recommendation is that we focus more on consumer information and engagement. E-mail: luw1 At aber dot ac dot uk if you would like an information pack on how to engage… Full story Food and farming advisory panel (08-11-2011)
The Welsh Government has set up a new Food and Farming advisory panel reflecting the place of food and farming as one of the three recently-announced priority sectors for economic growth and job creation in Wales. The chair will… Full story Sustainable Food Cities (08-11-2011)
Last month the Soil Association launched its Sustainable Food Cities Network, which will help cities across the UK develop sustainable food initiatives. Speaking in support, Professor Kevin Morgan of Cardiff University said: “Having lagged behind places such as North America and… Full story Encouragement and prosperity for organic businesses (04-11-2011)
Missed our Organic: Better Business conference? Don’t miss out, Full story Congratulations to organic True Taste Award winners (31-10-2011)
Six gold awards for organic products were among the organic winners on the night of celebrations of the Wales the True Taste awards at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. Four other organic products received silver and three received bronze awards. The 10th… Full story Guaranteed minimum price agreed for organic lamb (25-10-2011)
The UK’s leading organic livestock producer group has made a landmark agreement with meat supplier Dunbia Llanybydder on guaranteed minimum prices and premium for organic lamb. The objective of the agreement is to ensure a year-round supply of organic… Full story Producer survey 2011 (21-10-2011)
During November Organic Centre Wales will be conducting the Welsh Organic Producer Survey. Once again we will be in contact with all certified producers in Wales (approximately 1000) and in strictest confidence request detail and opinions relating to their enterprises…. Full story Organic holidays (06-10-2011)
Congratulations to Linda Moss, author of Organic Places to Stay, who has been named an organic eco-hero by Greenhouse PR. Linda’s guide lists plenty of organic holiday destinations in Wales. See www.organicholidays.co.uk. Full story New organic e-bulletin (06-10-2011)
The Organic Research Centre Elm Farm, one of the partners in Organic Centre Wales, is now producing an e-bulletin. To sign up, go to www.organicresearchcentre.com and click on Register, top left. Their website now has a new Eco-Agroforestry Network page… Full story Soil tests (06-10-2011)
Organic farmers in certain catchment areas should contact the Environment Agency to see if they are eligible for free soil tests. These areas are the Afon Clwyd catchment, the Wen near Chwilog, Ystrad near Denbigh, Hiraethlyn near Eglwysbach, Afon Bach… Full story Food Waste Forum (06-10-2011)
The organization ‘This is Rubbish’ is to host a Food Waste Forum and Feast at The Centre for Alternative Technology on Saturday 5th November. During the day there will be a mixture of workshops, discussions, films and an exhibition, looking… Full story More Glastir options – Action required by 17 October (30-09-2011)
The Welsh Government has today put more Glastir options on the table for farmers. The changes come in response to the recommendations of the Glastir Independent Review Group (GIRG), which have now been approved by the European Commission. They provide… Full story OFCS application window is open (27-09-2011)
A window of application for the OFCS 2012 is open between 3 October and 4 November 2011. It will support land starting conversion between 2 January 2011 and 1 January 2012. Applications must be supported by a conversion plan, and… Full story Tomato pest detected in England (26-09-2011)
The South American tomato moth (Tuta absoluta) has recently been detected in England. It is a pest of tomato and other solancaeous crops in South America and Southern Europe, but has not become established in the UK. Nick Shilton, from the… Full story Sustainable food: course (07-09-2011)
Food contributes to at least 20% of our greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. CAT is organizing a weekend course for educators and communicators on 28-30 October which looks in depth at food sustainability. See cat.org.uk/shortcourses or e-mail [email protected], … Full story Ethical business (07-09-2011)
It isn’t what others do to you, but what you do to others. The Better Organic Business Links project is working to support organic businesses in delivering to the IFOAM principle of ‘fairness’. We have produced a booklet… Full story Goodbye (07-09-2011)
OCW is sorry to have to say goodbye to Mari Jones and Phil Jones who are moving to Menter a Busnes to help deliver the Farming Connect contract. Phil has been with us since OCW started in 2000 and… Full story Organic conversion and Glastir (07-09-2011)
The next Organic Farming Conversion Scheme will open some time in October so if you are considering this change, make use of the Organic Conversion Information Service (OCIS) service offered free by the Welsh Government. OCIS is available to help… Full story Sustainable Food Communities (07-09-2011)
Organic Centre Wales has commissioned the Soil Association to carry out a project called Sustainable Food Communities which will use food education, practical engagement and purchasing/consumption to drive significant changes in food culture. It is currently working in four areas:… Full story How is your grass growing? (01-09-2011)
The Grassland Development Centre held an event on 25 August 2011 at Middle Garth, an organic farm near Newtown, to look at ways of measuring grass. Farmer Andrew Owen said: "I am keen to work with GDC and put the science… Full story Welsh food festivals 2011 (31-08-2011)
Organic Centre Wales will have a stand at the following festivals: Welsh Food Festival, Glansevern Hall, Welshpool, 2-4 September Aberystwyth, 17 September Abergavenny, 24-25 September Mold, 24-25 September. Come and see us! Full story Wales leads the UK as Organic land has increased by 34% (23-08-2011)
Wales has boosted its take up of organic land more than any other UK country according to a national report. A recent report by DEFRA shows that Wales is leading the UK as organic land in Wales increased by 34%… Full story Community Supported Agriculture Study Tour (23-08-2011)
As part of the Better Organic Business Links (BOBL) project, Organic Centre Wales is organising a study tour to the West of England. The tour will include attendance at the Soil Association Conference on Friday 16 September and a visit… Full story How to use social media tools to build your business (16-08-2011)
Wondering whether Blogs, Twitter and Facebook are worth the bother and can really help your business? Come to this FREE two hour Better Organic Business Links, Social Media Workshop and find out how businesses like yours are using social networking sites… Full story Wildlife award (11-08-2011)
Congratulations to Richard and Gethin Owen, of Nant yr Efail far, Betws yn Rhos, who are Welsh regional winners of RSPB’s Nature of Farming Awards. Their 69 ha organic farm impressed the judges with its rich diversity of habitats and… Full story Care farming initiative (11-08-2011)
The Institute of Rural Health (IRH) has launched a new drive to encourage farmers and landowners to develop care farming projects. This means using farming and horticultural practices for therapeutic purposes, for instance to benefit people with learning difficulties. … Full story Follow Organic Centre Wales on Facebook and Twitter (10-08-2011)
Organic Centre Wales has now entered the world of social networking! For updates on the work we are doing and information on the organic sector in Wales please ‘like’ us on our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter, see… Full story Win organic products worth over £100!! How can the organic sector become truly sustainable? (09-08-2011)
Creating organic products and getting them to the end customer in the most efficient and sustainable way is essential for the advancement of the organic sector. What is the one thing you believe the industry should do to become truly… Full story Organic farming Glastir update (26-07-2011)
The Welsh Government has outlined its proposals to support organic farming for the remainder of the current Rural Development programme (to December 2013). In a key change, farmers will no longer have to join Glastir to access organic support. Instead,… Full story Dual use claims statement by Deputy Minister (22-07-2011)
Alun Davies, the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes, in a Written Statement to the National Assembly on 13 July made a commitment to seek views from the farming and countryside interests on possible changes to the… Full story Be organic and proud: new sign for organic land (20-07-2011)
Wales’ first sign to let walkers and tourists know when the land under their feet is organic has been launched. During The Royal Welsh Show, The Better Organic Business Links Project (BOBL) introduced their new bi-lingual ‘Tir Organig’ signs. Available… Full story OCW at the Shows (20-07-2011)
As well as attending the Royal Welsh Show at Llanelwedd, staff from Organic Centre Wales and Farming Connect will also be at the following regional shows over the summer: Anglesey Show: 9-10 August Pembrokeshire Show: 16-18 August Denbigh and Flint Show: 18 August Free… Full story Royal Welsh Agricultural Show (20-07-2011)
OCW is present in the Organic Food and Farming marquee in the Countryside Care Area at this year’s event. The marquee showcases elements of the Better Organic Business links project, hosts the Organic Development Programme Farming Connect team and… Full story Organic September (20-07-2011)
The Soil Association is urging people to ‘discover organic this September’, with events and promotions around the UK. This includes a list of farms which welcome visits from the public, and courses. Full story Agritourism guide (20-07-2011)
Tourism is a competitive business and this Organic Centre Wales Guide has been produced for farmers and other businesses considering or running an agri-tourism venture. It provides an overview of the current organic agri-tourism sector, looks at the market place,… Full story Low carbon farming (20-07-2011)
The Soil Association has announced a new project which will be working with farmers and growers to provide expert advice and technical guidance on carbon footprinting and low carbon farming practices as well as energy production and efficient resource use…. Full story 2011/12 Organic Farm Management Handbook (20-07-2011)
The new edition of the Organic Farm Management Handbook is now available, published by the Organic Research Centre at Elm Farm near Newbury. It includes information on marketing, certification, policy, financial and technical aspects of different organic systems and enterprises…. Full story Business success in times of change (11-07-2011)
In an event to be held at the Royal Welsh Show next week, Stephen Weir and Chris Stanley of Weir Total Supply Chain Sustainability will present case studies on the sustainability of businesses in post farmgate supply chains. They will… Full story Local food school meal in Powys (11-07-2011)
Children at Ysgol Glantwymyn, Cemmaes Road, Powys, enjoyed a school meal of local food recently. Roast lamb from north Powys was on the menu, with organic potatoes from Pembrokeshire, carrots from Shropshire and leeks from Lancashire. The project was organized by… Full story Sustainable Food Communities – Cardiff (16-06-2011)
Invitations have been issued to a range of organisations across Cardiff to attend a Sustainable Food Communities Wales consultation event on 30 June. Participants will be able to learn more about the purpose of the project and to hear about… Full story Transformative education and food (15-06-2011)
A paper produced by authors from Organic Centre Wales, Swansea University, Glyndwr University and the Centre for Alternative Technology discusses what people need to learn about sustainable food systems, how they learn it, and how this education might lead to… Full story Food Issues Census 2011 (15-06-2011)
The 2011 Food Issues Census, conducted by the Food Ethics Council, provides an overview of the activities of civil society groups working on food or farming in the UK, based on a survey of over 300 organisations. The report shows… Full story Grassland news – June 2011 (15-06-2011)
The Grassland Development Centre and HCC Farming Connect project ‘Getting to Grips with Grazed Grass’ is now working with an Organic Centre Wales Demonstration farmer Andrew Owen, who is already an enthusiastic grass measurer! This month’s quality analysis from the… Full story Royal Welsh Agricultural Show (15-06-2011)
The Organic marquee in the Countryside Care Area at this year’s event will host the Organic Development Programme Farming Connect team and the Organic Certification bodies, and showcase elements of the Better Organic Business links project. We will include… Full story Reducing the cost of reseeding grass leys (15-06-2011)
An event to be held at Plas Uchaf Farm, Llanarthne, Carmarthen SA32 8HS on Wednesday 13 July at 1.30pm will be an opportunity to find out more about rejuvenating grass leys without ploughing. The event is being organized by Organic… Full story EU commissioner endorses organic farming (15-06-2011)
Discussing future CAP reform, the EU Farm Commissioner, Dacian Ciolos, has publicly endorsed organic farming. In a presentation at the 5th European Organic Congress in Hungary earlier this month, he stated that not only would organic farmers automatically be eligible… Full story Earn cash from your simple green solution (10-06-2011)
Applications for an award are being invited from farmers who have made small scale changes to their farms (for instance, collecting rainwater or composting green waste) in order to benefit the local environment and improve profits. The winner of the… Full story Tir Organig summer 2011 edition is out (10-06-2011)
The 2011 summer edition of Tir Organig is out now, with technical articles and news. Download Tir Organig No. 14 Tir Organig is produced as part of the Farming Connect Organic Development Programme. Full story Mid Wales community groups urged to apply for sustainable food funding (08-06-2011)
Community groups in Mid Wales who want to support the development of the organic food sector in Wales are being invited to apply for funding. Better Organic Business Links (BOBL) has launched the Sustainable Food Communities (SFC) scheme, which aims… Full story Sustainable Farming (17-05-2011)
A Wales Climate Centre organised event at Blaen Camel Farm Cilcennin who insatlled PV cells in 2010 Full story Sustainability footprinting – opportunity for businesses (09-05-2011)
BOBL have appointed Weir Total Supply Chain Sustainability to study the resource use and sustainability of organic businesses involved in the post farm-gate supply chain. Businesses operating within the organic sector in Wales are being offered the opportunity to save… Full story New face at Graig Producers (09-05-2011)
The successor to Iain Turner as Procurement Manager at Graig Producers is Gareth Lewis. A native of Montgomeryshire from a farming background, he has plenty of experience of working with livestock and in the abattoir and processing sector. Graig Producers… Full story Making the most of compost (09-05-2011)
Organic Centre Wales is running a series of workshops on the benefits of using compost, delivered as part of the Farming Connect Organic Development Programme. Maintaining long term soil fertility is a constant struggle for organic, and indeed conventional, farmers…. Full story Study calls for farmers to reduce fertilizer use (09-05-2011)
The annual cost of damage caused by nitrogen pollution across Europe is more than double the extra income gained from using nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture, a new study has revealed. The study, carried out by 200 experts from 21 countries… Full story Open Farm Sunday 12 June 2011 (28-04-2011)
Several organic farms around Wales are opening their gates to the public on 12 June. For more details see www.farmsunday.org Full story Growing forage crops in a changing climate (27-04-2011)
A new report by IBERS, commisioned by DairyCo, called ‘New Opportunities for Forage Species’ examines the implications of climate change for forage crops in the UK. Full story Clover management workshops (27-04-2011)
The Institute of Organic Training and Advice (IOTA) is running two workshops to help farmers save costs and improve animal performance through better clover management. They draw on 30 years’ commercial experience and the latest research on various aspects of… Full story Community growing with Tyfu Pobl (27-04-2011)
The Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens has secured funding for a new three-year programme Tyfu Pobl (Growing People), to develop and expand its work in Wales. Tyfu Pobl will provide support and advice for both existing and emerging community… Full story Marketing workshops for horticultural businesses (27-04-2011)
Horticulture Wales, the supply chains project based at Glyndwr University, is organizing a series of online marketing workshops. They will be practical and interactive and available to all Welsh businesses throughout the horticultural supply chain, including businesses that sell… Full story News from Cynnal Cymru (27-04-2011)
Following the closure of the Sustainable Development Commission at the end of March 2011, Cynnal Cymru will have a strengthened role, providing independent policy advice, while continuing to promote sustainable development, act as a forum, and be a bridge between… Full story Soil Association Organic Market Report 2011 (07-04-2011)
The Soil Association has published its 2011 Organic Market Report. UK sales of organic products fell 5.9% to £1.73 billion in 2010. However, the outlook for 2011 is cautiously optimistic. Full story Y Sioe Amaethyddol Frenhinol 18-21 Gorffennaf 2011 (07-04-2011)
Organic Centre Wales will once again be in the Countryside Care Area at this year’s event. If your organization is interested in joining us, please contact E-mail: ccw At aber dot ac dot uk at Organic Centre Wales. … Full story Daniel Downes joins the Grassland Development Centre (07-04-2011)
The Grassland Development Centre at IBERS welcomes Daniel Downes to the team. Based at Gogerddan, Daniel has combined work on the family organic beef and sheep farm near Tregaron with a professional career in agriculture, working for Welsh Farm Suppliers… Full story Sheep scab (07-04-2011)
An organic farm near Machynlleth is taking part in a pioneering programme to eradicate sheep scab in their area, by working with over 30 neighbouring sheep farmers. Brothers Dafydd and John Jones of Maesterran say that one problem is the… Full story Organic maintenance payments and Glastir (07-04-2011)
The Welsh Assembly Government has published the independent review of the All-Wales Element of Glastir. One of the recommendations was the re-introduction of organic maintenance payments at the expense of the 50% reduction in points threshold for organic producers. The… Full story BOBL project update (30-03-2011)
The Better Organic Business Links project, run by OCW to support organic businesses in Wales, has recently awarded three contracts to support our communications efforts and to improve organic supply chains. For further information see our website or contact… Full story Protected cropping standards (30-03-2011)
The Soil Association has developed new standards proposals for growing in organic glasshouses and polytunnels and is keen to have feedback from growers, customers, retailers and other stakeholders. Follow the link below to read the proposed standards and send your comments… Full story Wales Sustainability Week, 14-21 May 2011 (30-03-2011)
The Welsh Assembly Government is organising Wales’ second Sustainability Week which will take place from 14 to 21 May 2011. They are inviting individuals, organisations from all sectors and communities to: • take action to make Wales more sustainable; • celebrate and… Full story New EU report on organic farming and the sustainability challenge (30-03-2011)
The IFOAM EU group has just published "Organic Farming: The system approach to meet the sustainability challenge". This dossier collects articles from different researchers, analysing available scientific results and approaching organic farming from different angles. It covers climate change, biodiversity,… Full story True Taste Awards 2011/12 (29-03-2011)
Reminder – The deadline for entries into the True Taste Food and Drink Awards is 15th April 2011 – to enter please go to www.truetaste.tv. The 10th annual True Taste Food and Drink Awards will be held in North Wales on… Full story Selling organic vegetables at school (29-03-2011)
A Ceredigion primary school has been growing organic vegetables for sale to the public. Ysgol y Dderi at Llangybi, Lampeter, originally set up a Fruit and Vegetable Coop last March, selling produce from Blaencamel, a local horticultural business. In June,… Full story Community share offer: Llwyn Ffranc Forest Farm (23-03-2011)
On March 1, 2011 Llwyn Ffranc Limited launched a community share offer to buy part of Llwyn Ffranc Farm on the slopes of the Skirrid, a holy mountain close to the Welsh town of Abergavenny. Llwyn Ffranc Limited is a… Full story Elm Farm: Producer conference reports (07-03-2011)
Reports from the Fifth Producers Conference of the Organic Research Centre Elm Farm, held in January 2011 are availble here Full story Tourism and organic food workshops (07-03-2011)
15 March, Glansevern Hall, Newtown 22 March, Treberfedd, Dihewyd These workshops will give you a broad overview of the issues surrounding sustainable tourism and practical tips on how you can ‘green’ your own business. The day will help you understand catering… Full story Organic food in Aberystwyth (07-03-2011)
Two Aberystwyth schools enjoyed local food school meals last week, with a high proportion of organic food. The meals were organized by Organic Centre Wales as part of the BOBL project, and are supported by educational activities, including farmers markets,… Full story Soil Association conference (07-03-2011)
At the conference in early February, the Soil Association launched its report The Lazy Man of Europe, urging the government to learn from other European countries, most of which support organic farming more generously than the UK. Audios… Full story Results of the producer survey 2010 (07-03-2011)
Thank you to the 601 producers who recently completed the Producer Survey. Here are the headlines. • 2010 provides stability to the Welsh organic sector • organic sales remain similar • newly converted stock fails to find an organic market • producer intentions uncertain… Full story Growing fruit in Wales (07-03-2011)
Dyfi Valley Seed Savers have published the results of a survey of Powys orchards, conducted in response to demand for knowledge on fruit growing in Wales. In 2009 and 2010 they surveyed 22 orchards and gathered the experiences of fruit… Full story Biodiversity studies confirm organic benefits (07-03-2011)
OCW has published a review of the scientific literature on the biodiversity impacts of organic farming. The published studies confirm a wide range and number of positive effects (62 out of 82 studies) with very few negative effects (6… Full story Organic farming and carbon (07-03-2011)
OCW has published a report of current evidence concerning the effects of organic farming on soil carbon sequestration. Although organic cropping systems have considerable potential for increasing soil carbon, the amount that can be sequestered is still uncertain due to… Full story Glastir (07-03-2011)
Press coverage of organic issues within Glastir highlighted the need for organic farmers to contact their unions and let them know that they wanted their views represented at the Glastir Review Group meetings. The final meeting of the review group… Full story Woodland – What do you do with yours? (01-03-2011)
The Organic Research Centre Elm Farm needs your help to understand how UK producers use the woodland on their land. As part of their Agroforestry Programme, they are conducting a survey which will allow them to gauge whether there is… Full story Urgent: Claims for OFS/OFCS (25-02-2011)
The Welsh Assembly Government have asked us to put this information on our website: Organic Farmers who hold an Organic Farming Scheme/Organic Farming Conversion Scheme contract are reminded that they must submit their claim for the Establishment Payment… Full story Sustainable Food Communities (07-02-2011)
A new project is set to stimulate the growth of healthy and sustainable food communities in four areas of Wales. The Sustainable Food Communities Wales project has been commissioned by the Organic Centre Wales project Better Organic Business Links (BOBL) and… Full story Organic farmer joins sustainable food project (07-02-2011)
Evan Price, of Alltgoch Organics near Rhayader, who rears Welsh Black cattle and sheep and grows vegetables, has been selected to join a new Developing Sustainable Food Businesses pilot project. The project, which is delivered by Ecostudio with funding from Glasu,… Full story Farmers, look out for your post (07-02-2011)
You will be receiving letters any day from the Welsh Assembly Government regarding the ‘establishment payment’ for your Organic Farming Scheme. To claim this money you will have to take action and you should do this as soon as… Full story Dean Organic Trust (07-02-2011)
Organic Centre Wales has been contacted by the trustees of The Dean Organic Trust which is interested in making interest free loans to organic farmers and growers who are either trying to establish a business, or expand an existing one…. Full story The future of global agriculture (07-02-2011)
A report from the Worldwatch Institute in the USA published in January supports the role of agroecological farming methods in developing global food security. It calls for changes in food production and distribution, with less meat production, less reliance on… Full story Open farm events and school visits (07-02-2011)
The Soil Association in partnership with the Mid Wales Food and Land Trust is delivering a BOBL funded project to enable schools to visit organic farms and hold farmers’ markets in the school itself. Funding is available for farm visits,… Full story Benefits of organic milk (07-02-2011)
Researchers at Newcastle University have found that milk collected during a particularly poor UK summer and the following winter had significantly higher saturated fat content and far less beneficial fatty acids than in a more normal year. However, organic milk… Full story Better Organic Business Links project to support sustainable development of businesses (02-02-2011)
The Better Organic Business Links (BOBL) project is spending £100,000 on helping organic businesses in Wales monitor their use of resources and their impact on the environment. The work aims to help businesses make better use of inputs and… Full story Training for school visits and care farming (01-02-2011)
Are you a farmer who is interested in hosting school visits? Or do you work for an organization that runs countryside visits for schools? The Countryside Educational Visits Accreditation Scheme (CEVAS) includes health and safety, links to the school curriculum… Full story Are you interested in a free bird survey? (25-01-2011)
The RSPB Volunteer & Farmer Alliance Project made its return to Wales at the beginning of 2010. This popular project offers farmers and land owners a free, no obligation survey of the birds on their land. Local volunteer surveyors carry… Full story Welsh angle on a new advertising campaign for organic food (10-01-2011)
Organic Centre Wales (OCW) will be supporting a high profile three-year campaign to promote organic food in the UK. The £2m campaign, paid for by organic businesses and match-funding from the EU, invites consumers to discover what organic means to them,… Full story New campaign launches to highlight benefits of organic (10-01-2011)
The organic industry is launching a high profile 3-year campaign that is set to deliver sales growth by increasing consumer demand for organic food in the UK. Match funded by the EU, the aim of the £2m ‘Why I… Full story Threat to school meals (06-01-2011)
Public sector spending cuts could mean the end of healthy school meals in the UK. Writing in the Western Mail, Prof. Kevin Morgan of Cardiff University says that school food is the test of a society’s commitment to social justice,… Full story New food and drink strategy (04-01-2011)
Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones and Dr. Haydn Edwards, Chair of the Food and Drink Advisory Partnership set a ten year challenge for the food and drink industry in Wales at the launch of the food strategy Food for Wales,… Full story Permaculture courses (04-01-2011)
Through BOBL, OCW is funding a Permaculture Course to support the Caerhys Organic Community Agriculture project in St David’s. We suspect there are other organic producers and CSA projects in other parts of the country with similar interest, and if… Full story Support for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) (04-01-2011)
OCW is supporting Secure Alternative Markets such as CSA projects through BOBL. We are currently working with 6 projects all across Wales, providing advice and information on establishing CSA, advice and training on producing for CSA projects. Contact E-mail: jll… Full story Organic Farming Conversion Scheme (OFCS) 2011 (04-01-2011)
Thirty six applications were made to the OFCS in the last application window (15 November – 4 December 2010), of which 33 were approved. Of these, 13 are starting conversion for the first time, while the remainder are converted producers… Full story Horticulture workshop report (04-01-2011)
The report from the workshop for organic horticultural businesses, held last December at CAT, is now available on the OCW website. If you would like to be involved in implementing the outcomes, or to be kept up to speed with… Full story Glastir update, December 2010 (15-12-2010)
A review process has been put in place following the low response to Glastir. In a recent organic sector meeting with the Minister, Elin Jones indicated that the organic sector will be represented on the group. OCW’s annual producer Survey… Full story UK organic producer conference (14-12-2010)
The Organic Research Centre Elm Farm, one of the partners in OCW, is holding a conference for organic producers on 17-18 January 2011 at Cirencester. Organised as part of the Centre’s 30th Anniversary celebrations, it will cover several major themes,… Full story Horticulture workshop (13-12-2010)
About 35 participants made it to CAT for this workshop, organised by OCW and the Organic Growers Alliance. It acknowledged that these are very challenging times for many businesses and sought to thrash out a strategy to get the organic… Full story Peak phosphorus (08-12-2010)
A new report from the Soil Association, A rock and a hard place: Peak phosphorus and the threat to our food security, highlights the urgent need for farming to become less reliant on phosphate rock-based fertiliser. Worldwide 158 million tonnes… Full story Organic bread from Ceredigion (08-12-2010)
A loaf of bread made from organic wheat grown in Ceredigion was the centrepiece of OCW’s stand at this year’s Winter Fair. The wheat was grown at the Aberystwyth University farm at Trawsgoed and milled at Felinganol, a working watermill… Full story Organic Producers make their mark in Wales the True Taste Awards (12-11-2010)
Organic producers are well represented amongst the winners of Wales the True Taste Awards. Of the 80 awards organic food products were eligible for, 13 went to organic producers and eight of these were gold. These are in… Full story OFCS application window opens 15 Nov – 3 Dec (11-11-2010)
Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones, has announced arrangements for the opening of the second and final Organic Farming Conversion Scheme application window. The window will be open between 15 November 2010 and 03 December 2010 to all those who began,… Full story Questions about Glastir? (04-11-2010)
Check our producer pages for information and if you are still unsure, phone the OCW helpline (01970 622100) for further clarification or information. Note the closing date of 22 November for this year’s applications. If you choose not to enter… Full story Welsh organic producers’ conference 2010 (04-11-2010)
Over 135 delegates attended this event on 21 October organised by Organic Centre Wales and funded by Farming Connect. Most of them were organic producers, many with concerns about the future of organic production, especially relating to Glastir. Reports and… Full story Care farming – a new opportunity? (04-11-2010)
A report of a conference organized by the National Care Farming Initiative at Harper Adams in September 2010 is now available at www.ncfi.org.uk. Care farms use farming practices to provide therapeutic support to people with special needs. Clients include young… Full story Winter Fair 29th and 30th November (04-11-2010)
On the balcony in the Livestock Building this year, there will be the three certification organizations, Soil Association, Organic Farmers and Growers and Quality Welsh Food Certification. Other stands include Organic Centre Wales with displays and tastings of seasonal… Full story New Director for the Soil Association (04-11-2010)
The Soil Association has appointed Helen Browning as its new Director. She takes over from Patrick Holden who stood down in September this year following 15 years in the role and will take up the post in early spring. Helen Browning… Full story Pulling together: horticulture workshop (04-11-2010)
All organic businesses are invited to a workshop to discuss the future of organic horticulture in Wales, on 3 December at CAT, Machynlleth. Four clear themes have emerged, which will form the basis of the programme: Finding new markets;… Full story Sustainable food from Wales (04-11-2010)
In the run-up to the True Taste Awards 2010, the Guardian profiles some Welsh producers and businesses who have won awards in the Sustainable Development category in previous years. These include Paul Benham who grows organic vegetables at Primrose Farm… Full story Imported animal feeds (04-11-2010)
Friends of the Earth and the Soil Association are both campaigning for more sustainable meat and dairy production in the UK. The FoE’s Food Chain campaign calls for reduced reliance on imported feeds which often have high environmental impacts. Now the… Full story BOBL at Conwy Feast (08-10-2010)
The Better Organic Business Links project had a stand at the Gwledd Conwy Feast on 23 and 24 October. Visitors to the stand were able to see at first hand what the BOBL project is aiming to achieve over the next… Full story Welsh organic producer conference 21 October (08-10-2010)
Over 135 people attended the Organic Producers’ Conference on 21 October at the Royal Welsh Showground. Patrick Holden talked about his radical ideas for the transformation of our present industrial food and farming systems to a more sustainable alternative,… Full story Making sense of carbon footprinting (08-10-2010)
Organic Centre Wales has published a guide to help farmers reduce their carbon footprint. The guide, produced as part the OCW project Better Organic Business Links, lists the calculators available to farmers and helps them select the one that’s best for… Full story Organic cheese at the Olympics (08-10-2010)
West Wales cheese company Sancler Organic is to supply its organic yoghurt cheese to the 2012 Olympics. The company won a contract to supply food to the Games following a visit to the Speciality and Fine Food Show in London… Full story Food and the Big Society (08-10-2010)
The Soil Association is holding its annual National Conference in Manchester on 9/10 February in Manchester Town Hall. The conference will discuss how food and farming can provide a mechanism for combating some of the major challenges that are confronting… Full story Organic farms have healthier soil (08-10-2010)
A study of nine horticultural and arable farms in England, published in the journal Environmental Microbiology, found that organic farms have a much more diverse range of fungi living in the soil than conventional farms. Researchers from the Centre for… Full story Mary Langman prize (08-10-2010)
The annual Mary Langman prize will be awarded for an essay of 3000 words on ‘The relevance of the Peckham Experiment in the 21st century’. It is open to all students at Universities and Higher Education institutions in the UK…. Full story Risk Assessment seminars for edible crop growers (07-10-2010)
Government and retailers are continually striving to minimise the risk of microbial contamination of fresh produce. The HDC and FSA have jointly funded a package of work to help growers achieve this, including a recent factsheet and development of web-based… Full story Dairy calves event – cancelled (04-10-2010)
This event has been cancelled. The Soil Association is organising a free event near Wrexham on Thursday 14 October to help organic producers tackle the issue of bull calves. Key issues include TB restrictions and implications, genetics and the unsuitability… Full story New organic demonstration farm (04-10-2010)
Organic Centre Wales has recently welcomed a new member to the network of demonstration farms it manages as part of the Farming Connect Organic Development Programme. Peter Bottoms bought the 200ha Esgair Forest near Machynlleth in 2007 and entered… Full story Marketing Organics in a Changing World (04-10-2010)
The Better Organic Business Links Project has published a review of information on consumers’ attitudes to organic produce from Wales. The review was carried out by Beaufort Research to inform the development of a survey to monitor the current… Full story FACE and Farms for Schools conference (17-09-2010)
FACE and Farms for Schools are organizing a conference for farmers on working with schools. It will be held on Tuesday 19 October at Cefn Mably Farm Park on the outskirts of Cardiff. All farmers and teachers are welcome. Download flyer Full story UK organic producer conference (14-09-2010)
The Organic Research Centre Elm Farm, one of the partners in OCW, is holding a conference for organic producers on 17-18 January 2011 at Cirencester. Organised as part of the Centre’s 30th Anniversary celebrations, it will cover several major themes,… Full story Study tour to Scotland (14-09-2010)
Welsh organic farmers have requested that OCW organise a study tour of a number of progressive organic Scottish beef and sheep farms that have been working with the SAC sheep specialist John Vipond. These farmers have been able to increase… Full story Workshop will help horticultural businesses through tough times (14-09-2010)
Organic Centre Wales and the Organic Growers Alliance are organising a workshop for organic horticultural businesses in Wales to help map out a way forward for the sector. Recent work has highlighted the difficult conditions currently faced by businesses right… Full story Welsh Organic Producers’ Conference 2010 (13-09-2010)
This year’s Conference on 21 October at the Royal Welsh Showground will consider issues surrounding production and preservation. Workshop topics include lamb marketing, field scale horticulture and the issue of dairy calves, together with Glastir, carbon calculators and soil… Full story Glastir update, September 2010 (13-09-2010)
The deadline for farmers to apply to join the All-Wales Element of Glastir has been moved, following the decision to make available an important additional option within the scheme. Application packs will now be issued from 4 October and farmers… Full story New grassland adviser (13-09-2010)
The Grassland Development Centre at IBERS are delighted to welcome Sue Buckingham to the team. Based near the Welsh border, Sue will be working across all sectors contributing to the GDC team delivery in England and Wales. She has good… Full story Organic greenhouse growing (13-09-2010)
A conference in the Netherlands on 11-14 October 2010 will feature presentations and workshop discussions on organic horticulture under glass, including soil management, energy use, crop management, nursery production, economics, social and environmental aspects, and standards. Details. Full story Horticulture training needs (13-09-2010)
Garden Organic and the Organic Growers Association are conducting a survey of training needs, to help them apply for regional funding to run workshops, discussion groups and study tours to benefit horticultural businesses. They invite all growers, employees and apprentices… Full story Organic strawberries are healthier (13-09-2010)
Researchers from Washington State University in the US have found that organic strawberries contain higher levels of anti-cancer nutrients than fruit sprayed with chemical pesticides. Naturally-produced strawberries also have a longer shelf life and a richer more fruity flavour. Researchers… Full story Fertiliser recommendations (13-09-2010)
The Fertiliser Manual (RB209) replaces the old Fertiliser Recommendations 7th edition (2000). It provides recommendations for the use of lime and major nutrients (N, P, K, S, Mg, Na) on most field-grown crops including arable, grassland, field vegetables and fruit…. Full story Red tractor (13-09-2010)
Assured Food Standards, owner of the Red Tractor farm assurance scheme, has revised the Industry Code of Practice for on-farm Feeding. It is aimed at all assured livestock farmers so not all guidance will be relevant to organic management, but… Full story Food hygiene record keeping (13-09-2010)
A revised information sheet entitled ‘Animal feed record-keeping requirements: for farmers who produce, use, grow or sell animal feed’ is now available from the Food Standards Agency (FSA). This guidance will help farmers comply with the record-keeping requirements of Annex… Full story IFOAM congress (13-09-2010)
The first call for papers for the 17th IFOAM Organic World Congress has been issued. See here for details of the conference, which is to be held in the republic of Korea, 28 September to 1 October 2011. Full story Organic support from 2011 (13-09-2010)
Organic Centre Wales is in discussion with the Welsh Assembly Government on the form and shape of support to be offered for the sector from 2011. This and other matters, including the Wales Food Strategy, will be discussed at the… Full story Food strategy (13-09-2010)
The long-awaited Food and Drink Strategy “Food for Wales, Food from Wales 2010-2020” has been launched. WAG are keen to receive feedback from individuals so please visit www.wales.gov.uk/food and respond directly. If you wish to contribute to a response by… Full story Organic leaders to debate future (02-09-2010)
In October, key figures from retailing, processing, production and marketing will debate the progress of the organic sector and examine ways to ensure the continued growth of organic food and farming. Organic Farmers & Growers are teaming up with Organic… Full story A month of food festivals (02-09-2010)
September is packed with food and drink festivals to visit, including the Organic Food Festival (11 & 12 September). Buy organic produce from over 200 stalls and watch chefs such as Raymond Blanc, Giorgio Locatelli, Oliver Rowe and Thomasina Miers…. Full story Consumers ‘oblivious to welfare’ (02-09-2010)
Freedom Food’s Chief Executive has claimed that most consumers have little idea about the lives led by the animals which go into the food they buy. The RSPCA has launched a new campaign called ‘Think Pig’ and is asking people… Full story Glastir: deadline extended and new option (03-08-2010)
The deadline for All Wales Element expressions of interest is Friday 6 August. Any expressions of interest received after this date will not be accepted. See www.wales.gov.uk/glastir Also, a new option has been added to the AWE: Maintenance of an existing… Full story Royal Welsh 2010 (03-08-2010)
Some 231,000 visitors attended this years’ Show, boosted by the International Shearing Exhibition which attracted over 1,000 visitors from NZ and Germany alone. Seven exhibitors joined OCW in the Organic Food and Farming marquee: Soil Association, Organic Farmers and Growers,… Full story Monitoring internal parasites (03-08-2010)
Graig Producers, the Powys-based livestock marketing group, launched their internal parasite monitoring service for beef and sheep farmers at the Royal Welsh Show. The service uses the faecal egg counting system, with Freepost, and allows farmers to monitor the parasite… Full story New chair of sustainable agriculture at Aberystwyth (03-08-2010)
Professor Gareth Edwards-Jones has been appointed to the Waitrose Chair of Sustainable Agriculture at IBERS, Aberystwyth University. The appointment is part of an innovative joint arrangement with Bangor University in which Professor Edwards-Jones will combine his new post with his… Full story Organic Fortnight 3-17 September (03-08-2010)
‘Choose organic every day’ is the slogan for this year’s Fortnight. Suggestions for what to do include visiting an organic farm, hosting an organic dinner party and having an organic holiday. Several organic farms in Wales are hosting Organic Farm… Full story Public sector catering (03-08-2010)
Public sector bodies in Wales are invited to apply for funding to help them source more sustainable food. The ‘Best Food Forward’ project, organized by the Forum for the Future with support from the Waterloo Fund, will work with successful… Full story Part-time postgraduate study opportunity (03-08-2010)
The Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) has now been running a part-time distance learning course in organic farming for eight years, and over 100 students have completed the program. The course is studied on a part time distance learning basis to… Full story Support for the dairy sector (03-08-2010)
Last month Wales’ Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones launched a new project designed to support the dairy industry in Wales to improve the efficiency, sustainability and added value of the dairy supply chain. She said: “Now is an important… Full story Growing food in the community (03-08-2010)
The Welsh Assembly Government has launched an action plan to promote community grown food in Wales. Community growing has become very popular in recent years, in response to concerns about food security, climate change and health and well-being. A list of… Full story 2 million for UK campaign (27-07-2010)
The EU has approved funding for the UK’s first generic promotional campaign to increase awareness of the benefits of organic food and farming, giving a boost of £2 million to the organic industry in the UK over the next three… Full story Food for Wales, Food from Wales 2010:2020 (07-07-2010)
A new consultation on a Food Strategy for Wales seeks your views on the Welsh Assembly Government’s proposed food strategy for Wales. The strategy takes into consideration cross-cutting issues to provide the basis for an integrated approach to food policy… Full story Fork2fork: promoting local food in Wales (07-07-2010)
Fork2fork is a new website with information on local food, including farmers’ markets, farm shops, online producers through to local box schemes. It also has useful information for producers, including case studies and newsletters. See www.Fork2fork.org.uk The fork2fork campaign is a two… Full story Managing P and K (06-07-2010)
While organic farmers find it relatively easy to build up sufficient nitrogen in their soils through biological cycles, ensuring good levels of P and K in this way is much more difficult and many producers have to use permitted fertilisers… Full story Garden Organic green manure workshops (06-07-2010)
With the costs of nitrogen fertiliser continuing to rise, farmers and growers have to look to ways to manage soil nutrients more effectively. Garden Organic (formerly the Henry Doubleday Research Association) has carried out 15 years of research into sustainable… Full story Apple survey (06-07-2010)
The Soil Association is doing a survey on apple varieties and how they perform in organic situations. It will only take 5 minutes to complete, and if successful they will repeat it annually. Details Full story Soils seminar at the Royal Welsh Show (06-07-2010)
Soil is a living entity – and under threat. The speaker in the Organic Centre Wales seminar this year in the Aberystwyth University Pavilion, at 2.00pm on Monday 19 July will be Dr. Liz Stockdale from Newcastle University. She… Full story Zero Carbon Britain (06-07-2010)
The Centre for Alternative Technology launched its report Zero Carbon Britain 2030 in Parliament last month. It says that Britain should be able to grow most of its own food whilst still producing biomass for heating, electricity and transport fuel,… Full story Elm Farm Events (06-07-2010)
The Organic Research Centre Elm Farm, in Berkshire, which is a partner in Organic Centre Wales, is organizing two public events in July to celebrate its 30th anniversary. An Open Day on 16 July will include a range of technical… Full story Reducing food waste (06-07-2010)
The Welsh Assembly Government says the average family wastes £50 a month on food that is thrown away, and has set a target to recycle 70% of waste in Wales by 2025. It has committed £34m between 2009 and 2011… Full story Aminopyralid: the threat continues (06-07-2010)
The Soil Association and the Organic Growers Alliance (OGA) are calling on growers and gardeners to be vigilant following renewed cases of damaged crops due to manure contaminated with the herbicide aminopyralid. The symptoms include misshapen leaves and fruit, reduced… Full story Community growing in Wales (06-07-2010)
Minister for Rural Affairs Elin Jones last month launched a map of community farms and gardens in Wales. The map, which was produced by the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens, lists 45 projects. All welcome visits by the… Full story How do farmers see the future? (06-07-2010)
Growing Wales asked some Welsh farmers, several of them organic, how their work has changed over the years, what difficulties they face and how they see the future. The result is a 10-minute video on YouTube. Growing Wales is a… Full story Glastir update, July 2010 (06-07-2010)
Organic Centre Wales continues to work closely with the Welsh Assembly Government on supporting organic farmers through Glastir. In June we attended stakeholder meetings, commented on scheme guidance documentation and met with senior Civil Servants. However, we still need input… Full story Patrick Holden steps down (06-07-2010)
The Director of the Soil Association, Patrick Holden, will be stepping down on 30 September 2010 and will hand over to his successor following a publicly advertised recruitment process. Patrick has been Director of the Soil Association since 1995. Commenting on… Full story Consultation on coexistence with GM (01-07-2010)
Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones last month published the consultation responses to the Welsh Assembly Government’s proposals for managing the coexistence of GM, conventional and organic crops in Wales. In line with the Assembly Government’s stated policy position to take… Full story DairyCo project tackles key environmental challenge (17-06-2010)
DairyCo has set out an innovative three year project to determine a crucial benchmark through the measurement of carbon footprints on GB dairy farms. "This project will enable us to identify key ‘hot spots’ on-farm to improve business efficiency, which… Full story Glastir training events (03-06-2010)
Farming Connect is organizing 40 ‘on farm’ training events across Wales this summer, where farmers can familiarise themselves with the new scheme. The training will be delivered by a partnership of IBERS, FWAG (Cymru) and Pembrokeshire College. The objective… Full story Developing the image of the organic sector in Wales (03-06-2010)
Organic Centre Wales is inviting communications companies to bid for work on developing the image of Welsh organic products. The contract will help promote Welsh organic products in their home and UK markets and is for two years. … Full story Royal Welsh Show (01-06-2010)
Organic Centre Wales will be joined by the main certification organizations, advisory and producer organizations at this year’s Show on 19-22 July at Builth. Our speaker this year at 2.30 on Monday 19 July will be Dr. Liz Stockdale… Full story HCC livestock scholarship (01-06-2010)
Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has launched the 2010 Scholarship programme which supports scholars to travel abroad looking at farming practices that could be utilized in Wales for the benefit of the whole industry. The deadline for… Full story Feeding the world (01-06-2010)
At a conference entitled "How can organic + fair trade guarantee global food security?" which took place on 22 April in Munich, delegates called for the strengthening of smallholder and organic agriculture in order to achieve long-term global food security…. Full story Change of director for Elm Farm (01-06-2010)
On 31 May 2010, Lawrence Woodward OBE stepped down as Director of the Organic Research Centre, Elm Farm, one of the partners in OCW. He is succeeded by Prof. Nic Lampkin (pictured), former Director of OCW, who has been joint… Full story Organic market garden for Cardiff (01-06-2010)
The Riverside Community Market Association is selling shares in its new project, a 10-acre plot outside Cardiff. It will produce a wide range of organic vegetables, with a focus on higher value crops such as salads, and some fruit. Some… Full story Sustainable public procurement of food (01-06-2010)
Sustain is running a campaign called ‘Good food for our money’, which is calling for legislation in England to set standards for public sector food so that it is healthy, good for the environment and invests in local and sustainable… Full story Responding to climate change (01-06-2010)
The Countryside Council for Wales last month published a position statement on climate change. It lists five key actions, of which the most important is increasing the resilience of the environment, followed by monitoring, projecting change, raising awareness and… Full story Stockfree organic farming (01-06-2010)
Vegan organic growing uses green manures, mulches, composts and careful crop rotation to build soil fertility without using animal manures. Five UK growers are already certified as stockfree organic. People who would like to get into organic horticulture can study… Full story Queen tastes organic lamb (01-06-2010)
On a recent visit to the livestock mart and farmers’ market in Welshpool, the Queen met farmers, food processors and schoolchildren, and sampled a range of Powys produce. Margaret Thomas of Organic Aran Lamb, near Bala, said: "We made a… Full story Wales the True Taste Food & Drink Awards 2010–2011 (20-05-2010)
Entries are now open for the 2010-2011 awards. This year they are encouraging everyone to enter online at www.truetaste.tv. You can also call the advice hotline on 0800 085 3663. The deadline for entries is 4 June 2010. The Soil Association… Full story OCW moves on (04-05-2010)
After 10 years on Llanbadarn Campus within Aberystwyth University, OCW has moved to Plas Gogerddan. The move is a result of the merger of the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER) with two University Departments: the Institute of Rural… Full story Update on support payments, April 2010 (28-04-2010)
Organic Centre Wales has an update for producers. The deadline for completion and return of your SAF forms is approaching. If you have any interest in joining Glastir it is important you tick the relevant boxes – this will not… Full story Nick Rebbeck (28-04-2010)
Sadly, one of Wales’ organic stalwarts, Nick Rebbeck, died on 23rd April, following a battle with cancer. Nick farmed at Bwlchwernen Fawr near Lampeter with Patrick Holden for nearly 30 years and in 2004 started to co-ordinate school visits… Full story Conference for teachers: Growing the Future (28-04-2010)
A conference was held at the National Botanic Garden of Wales on April 19, 2010, to consult teachers on the delivery of food and farming education in schools. Wynfford James of the Department of Rural Affairs delivered the keynote address… Full story The 2009 organic producer survey (28-04-2010)
The full report of last year’s producer survey is now available on this website. It contains information on livestock numbers, producer attitudes, producer views of prices and market development. You can download the report below. Full story New crops on Welsh farms (28-04-2010)
An article on the BBC website describes some of the new crops being grown on Welsh farms, including blueberries, grapes and tea. It also profiles Welsh Fruit Stocks, who produce organic soft fruit cuttings at 1000 ft in Powys. Climate… Full story New factsheets: labelling of organic products, and gene technology (26-04-2010)
The new EU organic regulation has brought with it a number of important changes to the labelling of organic products. If you package and/or sell any organic produce, you need to read our new factsheet on Labelling of organic products:… Full story UK voice in Europe (26-04-2010)
Sue Fowler, Director of OCW, participated in a meeting of the UK branch of the IFOAM EU group which met at the Natural and Organic Products show at Olympia on Monday 12 April. The meeting was held there to draw… Full story Soil Association Organic Market Report 2010 (26-04-2010)
The Soil Association’s latest Organic Market Report was published on Monday 12 April. Sales of organic products in the UK fell by 12.9% in 2009 to £1.84 billion. Yet despite the tough economic climate, the report also indicates signs of… Full story Hay on Earth and the Sustainable Development Challenge Fund (07-04-2010)
The Sustainable Development Challenge Fund is intended to support organisations, communities and businesses develop innovative new approaches to sustainable development in Wales. As part of the Hay Festival, a series of workshops are to be run under the title Hay… Full story Wales Sustainability Week, 17-23 May 2010 (07-04-2010)
The Welsh Assembly Government has announced the first Wales Sustainability Week which will take place from the 17th to 23rd May 2010. Individuals, organisations and communities are invited to: • take specific action to make Wales more sustainable; • celebrate and… Full story Farmers to be rewarded for small scale green schemes (07-04-2010)
Environment Agency Wales and Farming Connect, the Welsh Assembly Government’s support service for farmers, have joined forces to recognise and reward farmers who make small scale changes to their farms in order to both improve profits and benefit the… Full story Job vacancy: Supply Chain Development Officer (07-04-2010)
The BOBL project is looking for the right person or persons to develop new, emerging and existing markets for organic produce. The successful candidate will work with food companies, food catering and public procurement officers. The post is suitable for… Full story New booklet: Organic poultry production for meat (07-04-2010)
This new technical guide is funded through the Farming Connect Organic Development Programme and covers all the main aspects of production and processing including: feeding; breeds; brooding; growing the birds; range management; slaughtering and processing; gross margins and other financial… Full story Canadian organic farmers visit Organic Centre Wales and IBERS (07-04-2010)
Organic Centre Wales and IBERS Gogerddan will host a visit this month from 15 Canadian organic producers and advisors from Quebec interested in organic dairy farming. The Canadians, who are from a well-established training college in Victoriaville, Quebec,… Full story One Pot Pledge (31-03-2010)
The One Pot Pledge® is a new gardening campaign from Garden Organic, aimed at people who have never grown anything before. The target is to recruit 30,000 people to start growing their own food with a single pot. People who… Full story Why I Love Organic (22-03-2010)
The Organic Trade Board campaign is now entering its second month and has launched a website to support the campaign. To learn more and check on progress visit: whyiloveorganic.org.uk.The campaign has been funded by donations from organic producers who… Full story Integrated Public Relations Strategy (22-03-2010)
Companies will shortly be invited to tender for development and delivery of an integrated PR strategy for the organic sector in Wales.The strategy will build on the results of the consumer attitude survey and integrate with the Organic UK campaign… Full story Consumer attitudes survey (22-03-2010)
Following presentations by three short listed tenders, Beaufort Research has been awarded the contract to carry out the Consumer Attitude Survey.The presentations prompted a debate over whether the survey should follow a quantitative or qualitative route, ie should the work… Full story School visits training course (CEVAS) near Brecon, 16/30 April (15-03-2010)
Are you a farmer who is interested in hosting school visits? Or do you work for an organization that runs countryside visits for schools? The Countryside Educational Visits Accreditation Scheme (CEVAS) includes health and safety, links to the school curriculum… Full story Mid and north Wales local food heroes (15-03-2010)
The Cambrian News is looking for individuals and businesses that grow, make and sell the best local produce in mid and north Wales. It will make awards in two categories: 2010 Direct Sales Champion and Local Retailer of the year. The… Full story Developing the supply of organic pullets in Wales (09-03-2010)
Organic Centre Wales has been helping to tackle this issue using resources from the new ‘Better Organic Business Links’ project and the Farming Connect Organic Development Programme. We assessed the current and short – medium term demand for organic pullets… Full story Glastir news, February 2010 (01-03-2010)
More details on Glastir were presented to farmers at a series of open meetings throughout Wales. Information is available on the WAG website. The SAF forms will be arriving soon and you will be invited to tick if you are… Full story The Future of Food (01-03-2010)
A report of the Soil Association’s recent annual conference is now available. It contains recordings of the main speakers, including Monty Don, Graham Harvey and Joanna Blythman, Patrick Holden, Oliver Walston and Jeannette Orrey. There are also reports from some… Full story Vegetarianism and the environment (01-03-2010)
A study by Cranfield University, commissioned by the environmental group WWF, suggests that vegetarianism may have disadvantages for the environment. Switching from beef and lamb reared in Britain to meat substitutes such as tofu would result in more foreign land… Full story Return to farming with nature (01-03-2010)
In an article originally published in Natur Cymru, and reprinted in an edited version in the Western Mail, Soil Association director Patrick Holden argues that an unhealthy schism has developed between food producers and the nature conservation movement. He calls… Full story Fair trade flourishes – how about organic? (01-03-2010)
Figures released at the start of Fair Trade Fortnight show that sales of fair trade products grew by 12% during 2009, while those of organic fell, by 31% for bread and 16.5% for fruit. Sue Fowler, director of Organic Centre… Full story BOBL project update February 2010 (24-02-2010)
The BOBL project is designed to support the primary producer in Wales and grow the market for Welsh organic produce in a sustainable way. The project will develop new, emerging and existing markets for organic produce whilst driving innovation, at… Full story Tir Organig available to download (10-02-2010)
The February 2010 edition of Tir Organig is now available, with the results of the 2009 producer survey. Many thanks to the 618 producers who recently completed the Survey, which was carried out under the Farming Connect Organic Development Programme. download… Full story New EU organic logo (09-02-2010)
The European Commission has officially announced the winner of the EU organic logo competition. The winning design is by Dusan Milenkovic, a student from Germany, who gained 63% of the overall vote. From 1 July 2010, this logo will be… Full story Organic PR, Organic UK (08-02-2010)
Ensuring customers and stakeholders understand the objectives and challenges of organic production is important to the sustainable development of the organic sector. Organic UK is a campaign funded by a consortium of organic businesses who have pledged money for a primer… Full story How do you want to your business to develop? (08-02-2010)
BOBL has commissioned a meet-the-buyer programme to give organic producers an excellent opportunity to learn more about the markets they supply, and acquire the knowledge and contacts they need to move into new ones. The programme includes workshops on potential… Full story Market intelligence (08-02-2010)
One of the key objectives of the BOBL project is to provide producers and stakeholders with market intelligence and this will be delivered through publication of reports on the main sectors. Reports have already been commissioned to review the… Full story Targeted element of Glastir (04-02-2010)
Details of the Targeted Element (TE) of Glastir, formerly known as the Higher Level Scheme, will be presented to stakeholders on 5 February. We will have one month to comment. Please contact Sue Fowler and see our website. Download Glastir guidance… Full story Food, Inc documentary (04-02-2010)
Food, Inc is a US documentary about the food industry which is being released in the UK this year, with support from the Soil Association. Screenings: Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells, Powys: 14, 15, 16, 17 & 18 March Aberystwyth Arts Centre… Full story Report on consumer attitudes (04-02-2010)
The financial crisis and subsequent recession has forced consumers to re-think their purchasing decisions across all their expenditure, including food. Organic consumption has generally fared well, but producers are having to work harder for their share of expenditure and compete with… Full story Organic Farming Scheme Payments (04-02-2010)
Due to queries raised by the European Commission over the initial OFS payments (which were £1000), payments to farmers have been delayed. In order to reduce the impact caused by withholding payments the area payments will be released immediately (29… Full story Would Stapledon have been an organic farmer? (04-02-2010)
Congratulations to John Davis who has won a case of organic wine for his essay arguing that Sir George Stapledon would have supported organic farming, in a competition sponsored by Prof Wayne Powell, Director of IBERS. He bases his argument… Full story Job vacancy: Supply Chain Development Officer (25-01-2010)
The BOBL project is looking for the right person or persons to develop new, emerging and existing markets for organic produce. The successful candidate will work with food companies, food catering and public procurement officers. The post is suitable for… Full story UK organic promotion campaign (21-01-2010)
Your industry needs you! Please pledge money today to Organic UK. Every single pledge will make a difference. download information Full story Organic Farming Scheme (07-01-2010)
Eighty two farms entered into new Organic Farming Scheme agreements, which started 01 January 2010. Farmers are reminded they need to submit their certificates and field schedules by to the Welsh Assembly Government by 31 March. Organic Centre Wales expects there… Full story Workshops for egg producers (07-01-2010)
Organic egg producers in Wales have consistently identified sourcing organic pullets as one of their biggest problems. As the derogation to use part-organic pullets comes to an end in 2012, the issue is becomingly increasing urgent. Using funds from the… Full story Discussion groups (07-01-2010)
Winter meetings have so far looked at forage quality and cattle rationing, as well as introducing members to fifth Farming Connect Development Centre, Canolfan Hinsawdd Cymru/Wales Climate Change, which is based in Aberystwyth. Ben Williams the Knowledge Transfer Officer for… Full story Organic vegetables in school (07-01-2010)
Children at Kitchener Primary School in Cardiff enjoyed organic leek and potato soup with their school lunch in November, as part of the BOBL project. After the meal, the local Food Coop sold vegetables and fruit to the parents. Full story Local food school meal in Conwy (10-12-2009)
Organic Centre Wales recently held a local food school meal in Conwy, featuring organic produce. Full story Organic food directory (07-12-2009)
OCW is updating the 2008/09 edition of Organic and Local: Where to buy organic and local produce in Wales. Initially it will be a web-based directory, but we hope to print it in 2010. We will be checking existing entries… Full story True Taste Awards 2009/10 (07-12-2009)
Congratulations go to those organic producers who have taken many of the top prizes in the True Taste Awards earlier this month. Sam and Rachel Holden of Bwlchwernen Fawr, makers of Hafod cheese won two gold awards; Paul Benham of… Full story BOBL staff appointed (07-12-2009)
The Better Organic Business Links (BOBL) project has taken another step forward with the appointment of Dafydd Owen and Jane Vine. Dafydd joins the team from PR company StrataMatrix and has also worked on the Transition-Llambed Axis 4 Leader project…. Full story Organic Farming Scheme – update Dec 09 (07-12-2009)
Those that made applications in the September window should by now have heard from the Welsh Assembly Government. Important: if you have been offered an agreement you must accept in writing by 15 December (Tuesday) or the offer will be… Full story Winter Fair: 30 November and 1 December (04-11-2009)
Organic Centre Wales, the Certification bodies and other organisations will be on the Balcony in the Livestock building. We look forward to seeing old friends and new clients at this two day event. Full story Welsh organic producers conference October 2009 (04-11-2009)
Over 140 producers and those connected with organic production in Wales attended our annual conference on 15 October at IBERS Gogerddan. Elin Jones spoke in the morning session, and Catherine Fookes introduced the new EU organic advertising campaign (see www.organicuk.org.uk)…. Full story Would Sir George Stapledon have been an organic farmer? (04-11-2009)
Would Sir George Stapledon, grassland scientist and Director of the Welsh Plant Breeding Station 1919-1942, have been an organic farmer? Prof. Wayne Powell, Director of IBERS, is offering a case of organic wine for the best essay received by 1… Full story Forage options for organic livestock (04-11-2009)
An event for farmers at ADAS Pwllpeiran on 20 October 2009. Full story Looking at life from a calf’s point of view (09-10-2009)
An event for farmers at Trefere Fawr, Penparcau, Aberystwyth on 28 October 2009. Full story New funds to support the organic sector (28-07-2009)
Organic Centre Wales (OCW) has succeeded in securing nearly £2M over three years for work to support the development of organic businesses in Wales. “We are delighted to have this opportunity to do this much-needed work,” said Sue Fowler, Director… Full story Organic food and farming at the Royal Welsh Show (09-07-2009)
The Organic Food and Farming marquee at the Royal Welsh Show this year will be offering producers and consumers a wide range of services and information. Organic Centre Wales will be offering technical tips as part of the Farming Connect… Full story New director for Organic Centre Wales (27-05-2009)
Sue Fowler has been appointed as the Director of Organic Centre Wales by Aberystwyth University, following the departure of Dr Nic Lampkin at the end of January. Sue Fowler joined OCW in 2001, following a career in organics which began… Full story Tir Organig summer 2010 edition is out (27-05-2009)
Download the latest issue of Tir Organig here. Full story New technical guide: upland beef and sheep (10-03-2009)
Latest newsOrganic Centre Wales has produced a new technical guide with funding from Farming Connect. It contains financial information and three case studies. Full story | |
In partnership with 
Organic Centre Wales, IBERS, Gogerddan Campus Aberystwyth University, Ceredigion, SY23 3EB T:01970 622248 E: [email protected] Funding bodies   | ||
Useful resources
- UK Online Casinos Not On Gamstop
- Non Gamstop Casino
- Slots Not On Gamstop
- Best Non Gamstop Casinos
- Non Gamstop Casinos
- UK Casinos Not On Gamstop
- Non Gamstop Casinos
- UK Casino Not On Gamstop
- Gambling Sites Not On Gamstop
- Casinos Not On Gamstop
- Non Gamstop Casino
- Non Gamstop Casino
- Casino Sites Not On Gamstop
- Casino Sites Not On Gamstop
- Sites Not On Gamstop
- Gambling Sites Not On Gamstop
- Non Gamstop Casinos
- Casinos Not On Gamstop
- Gambling Sites Not On Gamstop
- Non Gamstop Casino
- Top UK Casino Sites
- Non Gamstop Casino UK