The UK organic sector is one of the fastest growing in Europe. One in 10 farmers have expressed interest in converting. 1100 farmers signed up for organic conversion in 1999 compared with 400 during the previous five years. Consumer demand is growing at the rate of 40% per year, yet only around 1.5% of UK farmland is organically managed and we import about 70% of organic food sold.
The Organic Food and Farming Targets Bill requires that by 2010 not less than 30% by area of agricultural land in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is certified organic or is in conversion; and not less than 20% by volume of food consumed is organic.
So far nearly 160 MPs support the Bill. Well over 30 NGOs have endorsed support, together with large organisations in the commercial sector including Sainsburys, Marks and Spencer, Waitrose and Triodos Bank.
Denmark has set a target of 50% by 2012, Sweden 10% by 2000 and Wales 10% by 2005. Overall European organic farming has increased by 25% per year over the last 10 years. (PB)
Further details can be obtained from Sustain. email Sustain@sustainweb.org.
[This article first appeared in Pesticides News No. 47, March 2000, page 23]