Demand is outstripping the supply of Organic UK produce |
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With the opening of the American Whole Foods Market in London last month, British crops cannot grow quick enough to keep up purchasing demand. Will the presence of Whole Foods Market further exacerbate an already increasing issue.
Public demand is outstripping the producing process, not only for organic or local produce but also ethically and sustainably produced products. The organic sector's success is creating problems that could end up irrevocably damaging consumer confidence in organic food. Growth is being hindered by a shortage of supply, particularly in dairy, meat and farmed produce. Organic milk and dairy products cannot produce quick enough, therefore UK supplies are running low. Importing is not a satisfactory solution, though many producers are now having to source overseas due to the lack of raw materials available. This though comes with a price, but also more British consumers are seeking out "Made in Britian" labelled products. With the Soil Association considering to restrict organic status on products flown from overseas, this could further worsen the already dwindling market. The Soil Association is suggesting that produce imported by air is to either be excluded from the Organic Status or carry food labels detailing the air miles it has travelled or all flights be carbon offset. There are many farmers (at least one million people in Africa alone) rely on exporting their produce to Britain. If the Soil Association consultation on Air Miles is accepted this will then cause an even larger strain on the financial and wellbeing of the international farmers. It is only hoped that a balance between environmental impact and the sustainability of a product is met. With Organic food sales exceeding the £1bn a year mark in the UK for the first time, it is a wonder why there is growing concern of the future of Organics in Britain.
 
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