Expert Group on Organic Production (EGOP)
The group provides comprehensive advice to the organics Four Nations Working Group (FNWG).
Role of the group
The Expert Group on Organic Production (EGOP) provides comprehensive advice to the organics Four Nations Working Group (FNWG) via the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Advice is provided on future organic policy and technical issues requiring specific expert advice. The group also helps to review applications and annual reports from third countries and/or third country control bodies.
Terms of reference
The group aims to provide technical advice:
- to allow the updating of the current annexes provided for in retained organic regulations, such as those concerning permitted non-organic ingredients and inclusion or removal of permitted inputs/substances
- to support any revisions of the GB Organic regulations, considering divergence in organic policy between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the impact on the flow of trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- on issues arising that are outside of the Defra Organic Team’s competence
- on the sector as a whole, including trends worldwide, export opportunities, the success or otherwise of attracting new organic farmers/consumers, working with organic retailers and driving sales
The group will also:
- support the evaluation of new third country or third country control body applications to determine if recognition should be granted
- support the evaluation of third country proposals to extend scope of existing organics agreements and if such extensions should be granted
- support the review of annual third country and third country control body reports
- provide advice and analyse trends worldwide, for example, production, consumption, regulatory changes
Membership
EGOP members will be independent appointments made through open competition. Members are expected to act in accordance with the principles of public life.
The group will consist of up to 12 members, plus a chairperson.
Chairperson
Professor Christine Watson has been appointed as the EGOP Chair.
Members
The following members have been appointed to the EGOP:
- Keith Ball
- Paul Barnes
- Andrew Burgess
- Gillian Butler
- Nicola Cannon
- Robin Fransella
- Teresa Garzon
- Sarah Hathway
- Mark Palmer
- Adam Westaway
- Simon Wright
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