Supermarket imports anger organic farmers

Big supermarkets are failing British farmers by importing "substantial amounts" of organic produce, the Soil Association says.

Big supermarkets are failing British farmers by importing "substantial amounts" of organic produce, the Soil Association says.

The big chains are buying fresh meat and vegetables from abroad, even when the produce is in season in the UK, the association of organic producers says in a report out today.

A survey found that, for example, just 19 per cent of Asda's organic onions came from the UK. Most chains did little better on onions, with 20 per cent at the Co-op, 23 per cent at Sainsbury's and 26 per cent at Safeway sourced from British growers.

In a report on the findings, the Soil Association said: "Considering that onions grow well in the UK, this is a very disappointing result." The survey, conducted between 15 November and 15 December, was based on nearly 1,000 reports from Soil Association supporters who visited stores to check produce labels.

Lord Melchett, the policy director at the Soil Association, said: "It is unacceptable for staple foods like cauliflowers and carrots to be imported when they are in season in the UK, and in plentiful supply." However, the British Retail Consortium said the report was selective, unrepresentative. and did a disservice to British organic farmers. "By carrying out its survey before the British growing season is under way - and only asking its own members - the Soil Association is not giving a true picture of the amount of British organic produce sold through UK retail outlets."