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policy
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Shetland
Organic Producers’ Group Policy: The
demand for organic products generally cannot be met by UK production; some 70% of which
are imported. It is felt that the production
of organic food should be the way forward to achieve a premium over conventional products,
and, to this end the Shetland Organic Producers' Group was formed in August 2001. It
would appear that there is a need to establish niche markets for the small
Shetland lambs,
particularly the native hill breeds. Shetland
has established a number of animal health initiatives, and these attributes should be developed
within a marketing strategy to the benefit of the producer.
Shetland
Organic produce could achieve a premium place in an ever-increasing market, and can only
enhance the marketability of our local natural product. The
CLA project showed that unsaturated fatty acids, which can be linked to a reduced risk of
cancer and coronary heart disease, were found to be in high concentrations in naturally
grazed Shetland lamb and beef. It
concluded that not all stock are the same, and that the type of stock used and the
environment in which it is raised has a determining effect on the healthfulness of those
animals. In addition, the results of the national scrapie plan indicate that eradication
of this disease in Shetland flocks might be possible within a few years. Thus Shetland sheepmeat has a distinct marketing
advantage. The Group enhances not only sheepmeat producers, but also other Organic produce in Shetland: presently cod, salmon and trout, seaweed products, and rugs made from fleeces from an Organic flock. Through the Organic Native Shetland Wool project 'WoolMatters', the Group hope to establish markets for very unique products that have full organic certification and full traceability from producer to customer. The
Group has been set up to promote marketing of local Organic products, and not to act as a
cooperative. Prospective purchasers of Shetland Organic produce are recommended to contact
individual producer members. The Shetland Organic Producers' Group also offers an Associate Membership to those who are interested in supporting its aims. Associate Members are entitled to attend and contribute to various events and receive regular Newsletters, but are not eligible to vote at Committee or General Meetings.
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