 Providing information on organic food and farming in Wales | ||
 
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Press and media informationMain press contact for OCW: 07772 769095Recent press releasesOCW producer survey shows rise in organic sales from Welsh farms (23-07-2017)The Organic Centre Wales 2016 producer survey report published this week has shown a rise in sales of organic products, despite a fall in the land area certified as organic in Wales. At the same time, there has been an increase in the number of farms and the land area covered by the Glastir Organic scheme, and there is strong interest from farms wanting to convert.read more Full story Golden era for the organic ‘pinta’ as profits rise (12-04-2016) The analysis of 2014/15 data showed that organic farms achieved higher or similar profitability to comparable conventional farms, and on organic LFA (less favoured area) cattle & sheep farms profitability was statistically higher than conventional farms. At the enterprise level, organic dairying net margins were above the conventional level, whilst for beef and sheep enterprises, organic margins were ahead of the conventional sector. Cropping enterprises also showed a positive position for most organic activities, and therefore it can be concluded that with the addition of support payments, organic farms are performing at a similar or better level than comparable conventional farms. read more Full story New website to help grow Welsh organic business (06-07-2015) Interest in organic produce is on the increase and as a result a practical website has been launched by BOBL to help businesses in Wales wanting to develop in the organic sector. Full storyFood, Values, Fairness: How values influence the food system and life in Wales (18-06-2015) People across Wales think that fresh, healthy food ought to be available to everyone – whatever their social status. Good food shouldn’t be a luxury commodity. Full storyExpanding Green Horizons at the Spring Fair (20-05-2015) Organic Centre Wales held a variety of activities at the Sustainable Living pavilion in this year’s Royal Welsh Spring Fair. Full storyA Sustainable Future for Organics in Wales (05-05-2015) The Welsh Government and EU funded Better Organic Business Links (BOBL) project is holding a strategy conference in Builth Wells on 21 May. read more Full story Organic Centre Wales joins Aberystwyth University in celebrating Local and Sustainable Catering at the University (24-10-2013) Organic Centre Wales (OCW) and Aberystwyth University hosted an event on the 23rd October to celebrate the University’s recent achievement in gaining a Bronze Food for Life Catering Mark Award from the Soil Association, for all of their campus restaurants. The Food for Life scheme is fast becoming the industry standard for local, sustainable, ethically sourced food and recognises many of the excellent food procurement practices already taking place within the University. Full storyMaking more of Welsh organic wool (03-10-2013) Wool is a wonderful, versatile, natural renewable resource but it is often undervalued. Llynfi Textiles, a design and clothing company, Ystrad Traditional Organics and Organic Centre Wales (OCW) have been working together to try and change all that. Full storyORGANIC FOOD SHEDS ITS ‘ELITIST’ TAG BUT WELSH SHOPPERS STILL NEED CONVINCING OVER VALUE FOR MONEY (16-09-2013) A survey of Welsh shoppers published this week has revealed that organic food may no longer be seen as a luxury purchase, reserved just for the more affluent consumers.However, the study also highlighted the need for greater education about organic food and farming if shoppers are to buy more organic products, more regularly. Of the 702 shoppers interviewed, almost half (43%) revealed that they do not know enough about organic to justify paying any extra for it, while more than half (57%) of non-buyers listed price amongst the main barriers to choosing organic – both statistics being almost identical to the findings in the 2010 survey. Full story Study links UK deaths to over-use of antibiotics in chicken farming (27-08-2013) A new study [1] has found that approximately 280 people are dying every year in the UK from blood infections caused by the highly antibiotic-resistant E. coli superbug ESBL, acquired from chicken. Full storyOrganic information service back in business: join the conversation at the Royal welsh Show (15-07-2013) The Organic Centre Wales (OCW) partnership of Organic Research Centre (ORC), ADAS and Aberystwyth University will have an even bigger presence at this year’s Royal Welsh Show after their successful bid to deliver organic policy advice and other services to the Welsh Government from 2013-2015. Full storyCAMPAIGN UNVEILS ORGANIC CHAMPIONS (15-07-2013) A co-operative dairy farmer, a lamb and beef producer, a poultry expert, an ethical chef and a market gardener have joined forces to spread the word about the benefits of organic food and farming as part of a new campaign.Full story Soil Association and Organic Centre Wales launch two events for caterers in Wales (18-06-2013)Good food for allFor the first time ever, the Soil Association, in partnership with Organic Centre Wales, is organising two free half-day events for caterers in Wales to discuss the business benefits of serving sustainably sourced, local and better welfare food. The events, in Carmarthen and Colwyn Bay, will offer food providers the opportunity to find out how they can take action towards improving the food they serve, and introduce the Food for Life Catering Mark. read more Full story Organic Centre Wales puts Children Centre-Stage at Festival (30-05-2013) Thanks to Organic Centre Wales the Food Academy will feature an ‘organic takeover’ showcasing the very best of Welsh organic food, with visitors getting the chance to gain inspiration from a series of cooking master classes throughout the weekend. Children of all ages can get involved with hands-on cooking workshops, food mapping activities and much more. Full storyWales’s ‘Jamie Generation’ fuels growth in sustainable food sales (08-05-2013)A recent UK survey revealed strong growth in organic food sales from independent retailers, with some online retailers experiencing double-digit growth in an otherwise flat consumer market. The survey also revealed that the youngest organic consumers (under 28s) are spending more than they did last year on organic, leading this group of ethically-aware consumers to be dubbed “The Jamie Generation” in the Soil Association’s 2013 Market Report. Full storyReports reveal areas of growth and challenges in organic sales (20-03-2013) The Soil Association Market report published today reveals areas of growth and challenges in organic sales. The report coincides with the Welsh Organic Producer Survey, which reveals several trends and future challenges for the Welsh organic sector.“Despite some encouraging sales figures reported by organic producers in Wales, there is no doubt that the changes to support payments are going to hit hard and organic output may suffer as a result,” said Neil Pearson from Organic Centre Wales. 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 & Community Gardens (FCFCG) and Organic Centre Wales, the event is taking place at Coed Hills Rural Art space in Cowbridge. This meeting will also see the launch of a ‘CSA survival guide’, created by The Organic Research Centre on behalf of Organic Centre Wales. Full storyORGANIC CAMPAIGN PUTS CHRISTMAS TURKEYS UNDER THE MICROSCOPE (28-11-2012) 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 campaign’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/OrganicCentreWales read more 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 supermarkets around Wales.read more Full story School meals guru headlines at the Royal Welsh as organic food gets a boost (16-07-2012)OCW at the Royal Welsh, 2012. Full storyNEW 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. Full storySustainability kit to show Welsh food businesses a recipe for success (30-04-2012)Organic Centre Wales launches a new sustainability toolkit for food businesses. Full storyOrganic food and farming at the Winter Fair (23-11-2011)Organic Centre Wales will be having two stands this year at the Winter Fair in Builth, one is for producers and the other is for consumers who are interested in finding out more about organic food. Full storyStrengthening the links between local horticultural producers and the food service sector (01-11-2011)An event aimed at strengthening the links between horticultural producers and the food service sector and promoting the use of Welsh fresh horticultural produce to tourism and hospitality providers. Full storyConference highlights prosperity for organic businesses in Wales (01-11-2011) The organic sector in Wales has been injected with a sense of encouragement and prosperity following innovative talks and workshops held at this year’s Organic Centre Wales conference.Full story Ceredigion schoolchildren learn how to ‘Bake Your Lawn’ (17-10-2011)News of a school wheat growing project Full storyOrganic : Better Business Welsh Organic Conference (17-10-2011)The Welsh Organic Conference provides an opportunity for organic farmers, producers and businesses to come together and discuss the issues they currently face, learn from one another’s experiences and share good practice. Full storyBOBL takes Community Supported Agriculture on Tour (30-09-2011) Wales’ first Community Supported Agriculture study tour took place this month, organised through Organic Centre Wales as a part of the Better Organic Business Links (BOBL) project. Full storyWales 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% compared with 2009. Over 8% of farmland in Wales is now organic – almost double of that in neighbouring England and the UK average. Full storyOrganic sector to benefit from reviewed Glastir Scheme (01-08-2011)The response of OCW to the latest Welsh Government announcement Full storyLunchtime makeover at Ysgol Glantwymyn (27-07-2011)Quality organic and local food on the menuFull story Be Organic and Proud: Tell Wales and the World your farm is Organic (20-07-2011) A sign indicating organic land is now available for farmers. Full storyParasite prevention and control to improve returns from organic livestock production (17-05-2011)An event for farmers Full storyFilling the forage gap: Managing nutrients for a better silage crop (12-05-2011)farmer event Full storyProject offers savings for organic businesses in Wales (27-04-2011)An opportunity for organic businesses. Full storyEthics and organic business – communicating with customers (24-03-2011)Report of a workshop for organic businesses Full storyBetter 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 improve their resilience to price rises in key raw materials such as fuel. An invitation to tender for the work has been published to the Sell2Wales website and responses are required by Friday 18 February.Full story New project will build sustainable food communities in Wales (25-01-2011) Newyddion am brosiect newydd, ac apwyntiad Phil Morgan. Full storyWelsh angle on a new advertising campaign to highlight the benefits of 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. Full storyNew 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 Love Organic’ campaign is to invite consumers to discover what organic means, by challenging their perceptions and discovering their own reason for loving it.Full story Pulling together for organic horticulture (16-11-2010)A workshop for organic horticulture businessesread more Full story New organic demonstration farm producing food from the forest (01-11-2010)News of a new demonstration farm near Machynlleth. Full storyMarketing organics in a changing world (08-10-2010)The Better Organic Business Links Project has published a review of information on consumers’ attitudes to organic produce from Wales. The review was conducted by Beaufort Research and looks at actual data from consumer purchases of organic products as well as reporting on research.Full story S.O.S. – Can we save our soils? (06-07-2010) A talk to be given at the Royal Welsh Show on Monday 19 July. Full storyControlling Johne’s disease in an organic herd (18-05-2010)Information about an event for farmers Full storyClarifying the complexity of milk contracts (18-05-2010)Information about an event for farmers. Full storyNew poultry guide from Organic Centre Wales (22-04-2010) Organic Centre Wales has produced a new technical guide entitled ‘Organic poultry production for meat’. Full storyCanadian organic farmers visit Organic Centre Wales and IBERS (08-04-2010)Organic Centre Wales and IBERS Gogerddan will host a visit from 15 Canadian organic producers and advisors, interested in organic dairy farming from Quebec, in early April. Full storyConference will ask teachers how to deliver food and farming education in schools (24-03-2010)A conference is being held at the National Botanic Garden of Wales on 19 April to consult teachers on the delivery of food and farming education in schools.read more Full story What do consumers want from organic food? (01-02-2010)Organic Centre Wales is inviting interested companies to tender for writing a report on consumer attitudes to organic produce. Full storyDeveloping the supply of organic pullets in Wales (13-01-2010) Organic poultry producers in Wales have consistently identified difficulties insourcing pullets as one of their biggest problems. A number of producers are interested in rearing pullets, both for their own use and to supply other producers, but are prevented from doing so by a lack of information in key areas. OCW is holding two workshops for them this month. read more Full story New website for Organic Centre Wales (21-12-2009)Organic Centre Wales has relaunched its website at a new address: www.organiccentrewales.org.uk. Full storyCome to an organic farming discussion group in 2010 (21-12-2009)Organic Centre Wales organizes discussion groups for producers as part of the Farming Connect Organic Development Programme. Full storyNew manager for organic marketing project (27-11-2009) The appointment of Dafydd Owen as manager of BOBL is announced. Full storyOrganic food and farming at the Winter Fair (20-11-2009)OCW will be at the Winter Fair this year. Full storyWinter feed solutions for organic farms (05-11-2009)An event will be held for farmers on 16 November near Caernarfon. Full storyForage options for organic livestock (04-11-2009)Grazed forage remains the cheapest option for feeding organic stock, and you can find out more at a workshop at ADAS Pwllpeiran on Tuesday 20 October 2009. It is being organized by Organic Centre Wales and ADAS Wales as part of the Farming Connect Organic Development Programme and is suitable for all farmers. Full storyLooking at life from a calf’s point of view (04-11-2009)If dairy calves could speak, what would they say and how would they like to be reared? Lindsay Whistance, a researcher at University of Aarhus, Denmark, who has spent many years observing animal behaviour, will be considering this question at an event at Trefere Fawr, Penparcau, Cardigan SA43 1RL on Wednesday 28 October 2009. Full storyGrowing Welsh organic sector remains competitive (17-03-2009)The latest Welsh Organic Production and Market Report from Organic Centre Wales shows that the Welsh organic sector saw significant growth to more than 950 producers in 2008. The annual survey of producers shows an increase from 100 producers per year converting in 2005 and 2006 to 150 per year during 2007 and 2008. The survey data suggests that organically managed land in Wales now extends to over 100,000 ha, around 8% of Welsh agricultural land, the majority being grassland. Horticultural and arable production cropped land areas are still small, although accounting for a relatively high proportion of total Welsh land use of this type.read more Full story Welsh farmers can get up-to-date business information for the organic sector (17-03-2009)Copies of the 2009 edition of the Organic Farm Management Handbook, published late last year by Aberystwyth University and the Organic Research Centre Elm Farm, are being made available free of charge to Welsh producers thanks to funding from Farming Connect. Full story | |
In partnership with 
Organic Centre Wales, IBERS, Gogerddan Campus Aberystwyth University, Ceredigion, SY23 3EB T:01970 622248 E: [email protected] Funding bodies   | ||
Organic Survey 2015 
Food Values event in Penrhyndeudraeth 