Organic production was up 22% in Germany last year according to minister for consumer protection, food and agriculture Renate Künast. She said: "We are strongly promoting the growth of organic and environmental farming methods in Germany. That 22% does not include produce from farms still in the conversion process." Künast, who was visiting England for talks with DEFRA secretary of state Margaret Beckett, said organic farming would never replace conventional farming in Germany, but the goal was to convert 10% of all agricultural land. She said: "Not everyone will become organic, but the old ways will not be the ways of five or 10 years in the future." Germany's recently introduced BIO label for organically produced foods will be increasingly promoted as production gains momentum in the country. Künast said: "We have started a public information campaign to increase the awareness of our new BIO mark. The BIO label is for foods that conform to the basic EU standard for organics. It can be used by anyone who meets those standards. For example, it can be used in developing markets." Germany is also in the final stages of agreeing conditions for a new Qualitat und Sicherheit assurance label for meat. The quality and safety sign will be used by meat producers in all countries that can trace their produce right along the chain. Künast said: "We will never beat developing markets on price, but quality and security are areas where Germany can build its place in the international market with high quality and totally traceable meats." {{NEWS }}