Organic Farming
In the latest episode of the BASIS Agronomy Matters Podcast we are discussing all things organic, following the launch of the BASIS Foundation Award in Organic Farming qualification. The demand for organic produce from the UK consumer continues to grow, and our three guests on this episode provide unique insights into how the industry works, what the principles of organic farming are, and explain how organic and conventional farmers can share knowledge and expertise. If you would like further information about the BASIS Foundation Award in Organic Farming qualification then please visit the BASIS website or email training.courses@basis-reg.co.uk. Our first guest on this episode was Stephen Briggs, who works for Abacus Agriculture as an adviser in the organic sector. Stephen outlines what role an adviser plays within this industry, and explains how farmers can go about moving from conventional to organic production. Our second guest was Mark Lea, an organic farmer from Shropshire. Mark talks us through his journey including why he first decided to convert to organic farming, what challenges he has faced and what benefits he has seen over the past 20 years. Finally we were joined by Stephen Clarkson, Certification and Compliance Manager at Organic Farmers & Growers. Stephen went through some of the regulations which govern organic food production and marketing, and outlined what an inspection of a certified organic farm involves.