Some 140 delegates attended the second annual Organic Wales conference and its associated workshops at Pembrokeshire College on Friday.

Reviewing the past year, chairman Gareth Rowlands remarked that, for the organic farmer, there had been many positive developments although, sadly, some were seen to be losing faith.

It was, he said, difficult for supply and demand to move forward in equilibrium and, in recent months, there was evidence that, in some sectors, supply had exceeded demand. He considered this was partly due to some people in conversion taking a fast track approach, but Wales was still building a sound reputation for good quality organic food.

Although several processing issues still need to be addressed, our target remains for 10% of Welsh produce to be organic by 2005, he said, and extended his congratulations to Su Jones, of Llanboidy, one of a co-ordinated network of organic farmers, whose home-produced Cilowen organic cheese had recently achieved a world award.

Former Marks And Spencer executive Christine Lewis, chairman of the agri-food partnerships advisory group, commenting on the five-year strategy plan, said the red meat sector and dairying were good examples in which producers might compete on the global stage. Reflecting on her previous role, she said customer loyalty is built on trust - people develop passions for particular products taking in quality, taste, distinctiveness and assurance.

With so many other factors taking over, 2001 had been extremely tough for all sectors of farming, said Mrs Lewis, who added that, despite ambitious targets, much firm ground had been gained.

Renewable energy and attracting tourism were also on the events agenda and Brian John touched upon the consequences of actions which might affect future generations. He feared the organic movement had made a lot of friends, but also a good many enemies, not least from the local planning authority.

You are heavily into the risk business, he warned, and friends of organic farming may, unwittingly, be putting up barriers.

There were several other speakers on a variety of related topics and workshops during the day covered sustainability, soil fertility, direct marketing and renewable energy and more than 20 manned exhibits gave out practical advice and a wealth of information.