Farmers turn their backs on organic farming

The number of dairy farmers who are adopting organic farming methods has declined as the slowing economy curbs demand for expensive organic produce.

Figures show diary farmers are seeing rises of up to 80 per cent in the price of organic feed for diary herds, meaning that many are now operating at a loss.

The increase in costs has resulted in diary farmers turning their back on organic farming in favour of more conventional methods.

Richard Hampton, the sales and marketing director of Omsco, Britain's largest organic milk co-operative, said: "Everyone is suffering on costs and in many cases, organic farmers have the option to operate at a higher profit elsewhere."

Organic farmers tend to have higher rates of labour and so labour inflation can also hit organic farmers disproportionately.


However, the rapid increase of fertiliser used in other types of farming will not hit organic farms - although this saving is outweighed by the other costs faced by organic farms, experts said.

Demand among shoppers for organic food has soared in recent years, but signs are emerging that this trend is waning as households reign in their spending.

Patrick Holden, director of The Soil Association, which certifies much of Britain's organic food production, said: "Perhaps it is inevitable that we might see some decline in demand among less deeply committed organic consumers."