»   NORTH EAST ORGANIC PROGRAMME The North East Organic Programme (NEOP) has been developed by the Soil Association working closely with the Northumbria Organic Producer Group (NOP) with support from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and One North East. The programme is funded by Defra via the England Rural Development Programme. It aims to provide greater security and prosperity for food and farming businesses through the development of organic farming and food within the region, contributing to the region's economic, environmental and social agendas. Any business with organic interests in County Durham, Northumberland, Tees Valley, Tyne and Wear may benefit from the services and support available through the programme. This service is for all farmers, growers, processors, food manufacturers and retailers, irrespective of certification body. The programme and its staff will work closely with other food and farming organisations in the region and throughout the UK to share information, experience and good practice. For a taste of the local landscape buy local organic produce. Fresh and grown with nature, it reduces your exposure to chemical pesticides, and its non-GM. Local organic food comes from farms working to high animal welfare standards where wildlife is protected. Buy from local farm shops, farmers' markets and box schemes listed in the new organic directory for the northeast. Taste the difference and know that you're supporting local farmers, the local environment and the local economy.  »   WHAT WE DO Improving business skills is the key to prosperity for many farms and food related businesses. By working closely with, and providing support for, the regions organic producer group (NOP), this programme plans to help existing organic farmers, new entrants, processors and related food businesses in the following areas: Providing information and advice Linking local producers Helping businesses make good decisions Building new markets The North East Organic Programme is pleased to announce that it has received another 18 months of funding from the Rural Enterprise Scheme, allowing it to continue its work with producers, retailers and processors in the region and to further develop the services it provides. Below you will find a summary of the work carried out during the first round of funding. Read the summary of the North East Organic Programme's first phase: September 2004 – September 2006 [PDF, 62 KB]  »   VACANCY The North East Organic Programme have a vacancy for a Regional Development Co-ordinator for the period Sept 2007 to March 2008. Find out more...  »   DOWNLOAD OUR LEAFLETS (Acrobat PDF, 2 pages, 270kb) Help with downloading (Acrobat PDF, 2 pages, 138kb) Help with downloading