Paul Connaughton
Question:361 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will reconvene the organic consultative committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19154/00]
Vol. 523 No. 1
361 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will reconvene the organic consultative committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19154/00]
I have accepted the recommendation in the AgriFood 2010 Report that an organic development committee be established. The committee will have representatives of the widest interests in the organic sector including those involved in production, marketing, distribution and retailing, as well as the areas of research, training, advice and regulation. Invitations have issued to the relevant parties to nominate representatives. As the parties who formed the organic consultative committee will be represented on the organic development committee, which has a more extensive remit, I do not see a practical need for both bodies to operate at the same time.