It comes in response to the potential ‘challenges’ of leaving the European Union (EU) - claiming that organic farming is ‘in decline’ across the country.
The national party therefore “proposes that a target of 30% of Welsh farm land under organic production by 2030 would be both realistic and appropriate for the challenges that it faces.”
It does however acknowledge that this would require ‘significant investment’ by the Welsh Government, a strong marketing campaign and the need to ‘encourage or require’ public bodies in Wales to source a certain proportion of its food from Welsh organic producers.
Shadow cabinet secretary for energy, climate change and rural affairs, Simon Thomas, commented: “As a small country, Wales could emphasise its distinctiveness by selling itself as an organic food nation.
“A radical response is needed to the possibility of Brexit. We can use a new farm payment scheme to encourage and enable farmers to convert to organic farming.
“There also needs to be a strategic marketing campaign aimed at selling organic Welsh produce overseas and in the rest of the UK. The UK was the third biggest market for organic produce in 2015, which means that Wales could find a large, accessible market for organic goods - despite what the Brexit process throws at us.
“We know that every pound spent from the Rural Development Plan on organic produces £21 in trade for organics in Wales, bringing £140 million into the economy of our nation every year.
“If we are unable to meet growing demand, there is a risk that we could lose not only potential producers, but prominent Welsh organic companies who may choose to expand nearer their supply chain.”
Plaid Cymru’s Westminster spokesperson on environment food and rural affairs, Ben Lake, added: “Welsh agriculture and particularly livestock farms are heavily dependent on income from the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
“While it is true to say that CAP has had its flaws, it has been very important to many Welsh farmers, and this must be acknowledged.
“In the short term, on-going financial support will be essential to sustain the agricultural sector in Wales.”
The full paper can be accessed via: https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/plaid2016/pages/7383/attachments/original/1532000698/organic_english_side.pdf?1532000698.