Disappointment as organic conference is cancelled (From Western Telegraph)

Disappointment as organic conference is cancelled

An organic farming conference held in Pembrokeshire for the last two years has been cancelled because of a lack of support.

The idea for an organic conference was conceived in Pembrokeshire and its success was such that a decision was taken to switch venues to the home of Welsh agriculture - the Royal Welsh Showground at Builth Wells. But just days before it was due to begin last week, the organisers were forced to cancel because they did not have enough exhibitors or delegates.

Haverfordwest osteopath Richard Blacklaw-Jones, a key organiser of the conference, said it illustrated the difficult position the agriculture industry was in.

"Life in the agriculture industry is very hard right now. People just couldn't afford the time away from their work.

"I am very disappointed that we have had to cancel what has been a very stimulating event, it brings it home how tough farmers are finding things at the moment.

"It is not just organic farming but the whole industry. It really is serious out there.''

The event was to have been jointly hosted by the Soil Association, Organic Centre Wales and the Organic-Wales Group.

Pembrokeshire organic producer Tom Latter, a member of the Organic-Wales Group, last month hit out at supermarkets who shunned British producers in favour of overseas contracts.

Organic milk producers are currently averaging returns of 18p a litre. Dairy farmers who converted to organic production budgeted for 30p a litre. Until 12 months ago they were receiving 25p.

Potato producers are averaging up to £250 a tonne, said Tom Latter, who farms at Penrhiw, Goodwick.

"It is a good premium on conventional potatoes but the market is not strong enough to take all the potatoes that are available.

"In this part of the world we don't get the bulk to justify the cost of transporting them to England,' he said.

But organic beef production is fairly buoyant with returns averaging £2.15 a kilo deadweight compared to the conventional price of £1.75.