Conventional farming is in economic trouble and organics provides an alternative. Research Organics covers all production systems - it is an overlay across all these. Research for organic production has significant spin-offs for conventional production. Much research into organic systems needs to be funded by the state as there may not be any other stakeholder to do this e.g. compared with research into conventional inputs undertaken by chemical companies etc. Organic production is consistent with the current move towards sustainable production and provides a defined goal through the production standards.
Organics provides tourism spin-offs.
Organics deserves it because of a lack of recognition in the past. Increased employment and other social benefits. In some focus groups, support for the research was tempered with some viewing the proposed funding cynically, that it was on again, off again, flavour of the month. In addition some participants felt that there was a need for a longer term commitment as many of the areas to be researched would take longer than the proposed three years. Market Some established organic farmers felt that the proposed funding would increase the number of organic farmers who would then compete for markets that they had developed.