The NFU has welcomed EU Agriculture Commission plans to launch a Europe-wide promotional campaign to provide information on organic farming.

The campaign aims to inform consumers, public institutions, caterers, schools and other key elements of the food chain about organic farming and increase awareness and recognition of organic products.

The NFU is also backing the Commission’s recommendation of greater harmonisation of organic standards across the EU, in order to create a level playing field for producers.

Equally important is the Commission’s call for better co-ordination among inspection bodies and a review of the rules that ensure equivalence in standards of products entering the EU from other parts of the world.

NFU organic spokesman Peter Hall said: “The NFU has been pushing for more in-depth research into organic production and processing methods and we are pleased that this is an area highlighted by the Commission.

“When combined with more statistical information about the market for organic produce, the changes called for by the action plan will allow organic farmers across the EU to offer consumers greater choice and a better deal.”