UK Leads Europe in Organic Food Sales
LONDON - Sales of organic food in the UK are continuing to increase faster than in any other European country, according to a report cited by BBC news.
The study by Soil Association, the UK's leading organic campaign group, found that sales of organic food reached 802 million pounds, or around $1.132 billion, this year. This was compared to last year?s sales of 605 million pounds, or $845.1 million.
The group reported that despite this increase, small farmers and independent retailers are losing out to supermarkets.
British supermarkets account for 80% of domestic sales while sales through farm shops have decreased by 6% and the market share held by independent retailers has dropped by 2%.
Soil Association chairman Craig Sams said many small organic businesses were questioning whether they could continue to run a viable enterprise, despite the rise in popularity of organic food overall.
He said: "Urgent action is needed by the government, retailers and consumers to help our organic producers thrive."
The charity has already submitted evidence to a government commission on the future of farming and food. The commission is due to make a report next month.
The group's recommendations include the need for a fair price code for food suppliers and supermarkets that would favor UK goods.
The study by Soil Association, the UK's leading organic campaign group, found that sales of organic food reached 802 million pounds, or around $1.132 billion, this year. This was compared to last year?s sales of 605 million pounds, or $845.1 million.
The group reported that despite this increase, small farmers and independent retailers are losing out to supermarkets.
British supermarkets account for 80% of domestic sales while sales through farm shops have decreased by 6% and the market share held by independent retailers has dropped by 2%.
Soil Association chairman Craig Sams said many small organic businesses were questioning whether they could continue to run a viable enterprise, despite the rise in popularity of organic food overall.
He said: "Urgent action is needed by the government, retailers and consumers to help our organic producers thrive."
The charity has already submitted evidence to a government commission on the future of farming and food. The commission is due to make a report next month.
The group's recommendations include the need for a fair price code for food suppliers and supermarkets that would favor UK goods.