Organic is a chance for farmers to stay ahead
Organic farming continues to gain ground, but the spectre of Brexit is a concern, as Sue Bradley discovers
FARMERS who grow crops and rear animals organically continue to be part of a growing market, but concerns have been raised over the impact that a ‘no deal’ Brexit would have on the sector’s future trade with Europe.
The Soil Association says organic sales in supermarkets are up for a seventh consecutive year, with Nielsen Scantrack data sales figures indicating an increase of four per cent for the 52 weeks to June 30, 2018.
The information shows that sales of organic produce and dairy are continuing to grow ahead of the non-organic market, with uplifts of 5.3 per cent and 3.5 per cent.
The Soil Association believes consumers, particularly younger ones, are increasingly looking to organic food as a signifier of health, with the trend towards reducing meat consumption or even turning vegetarian or vegan possibly contributing towards the growth in sales of vegetables and fruit.
It says provenance is seen to be increasingly important in the wake of food scares, something organic food is able to offer through fully traceable supply chains and strict standards of production.
Trade consultant for the Soil Association certification Finn Cottle says the momentum surrounding organic “shows no signs of slowing down”.
“This summer’s results clearly show that if there is supply, demand will follow,” she says.
Earlier this year The Organic Market Report, released by the Soil Association, said sales stood at £2.2 million in the UK and were stronger than they had ever been, and that there had been a 22 per cent increase in the number of farmers in conversion to organic.
News of this increasing supply and demand is somewhat clouded by the uncertainty over Brexit, however, with the Soil Association saying that a ‘no deal’ departure would be the “worst possible scenario” for UKbased organic producers selling to the EU. The situation is also having an impact on labour supply.
“Frictionless trade with the EU is critically important for the food and farming sector,” says the organisation’s head of standards Chris Atkinson. “It’s vitally important the UK remains in the customs union and stays aligned with EU standards on food and environment as a minimum. A no deal Brexit is the worst possible scenario.”
Government technical notices issued during the summer raised concerns over imports and exports to and from the EU being held up for months, and, says the Soil Association, did not resolve the issue of continuing recognition of the organic status of UK products.
“The EU is the UK’s closest, largest and most important trading partner, therefore ensuring effective trade with the EU should be the immediate priority over trade deals with other countries,” says Mr Atkinson.
“Such deals pose potential risks, particularly to UK food and farming, partly due to the risks of allowing food of lower production standards to enter the UK. Irrespective of what form Brexit eventually takes, there is serious concern that UK farming will also lose the ring-fenced budget for farm payments that all other EU countries will continue to enjoy.”
Differentiated, high value markets stand a better chance of stability and success at times of uncertainty, which should give hope to organic producers, says chief executive of the Soil Association and Wiltshire-based farmer Helen Browning.
“With so many strong brands, and some innovative, well-supported producer organisations, organic provides a significant chance to stay ahead of the game, especially when the rules of the game are not yet clear,” Ms Browning states in the latest Organic Market Report.
“Farming organically is not an easy choice. So it is heartening that, after years of decline, it seems that, finally, the tide is turning with a 22 per cent increase in farmers in conversion to organic.
“We welcome the UK government’s increasing enthusiasm for organic farming, and for many of the environmental and animal welfare goals that the Soil Association has long espoused. But we now need to work together to make sure these warm words translate into post CAP policies that recognise the contribution organic farming makes to restoring soils and biodiversity, and protecting animal welfare.”