Organic farmers may strip themselves of their labels and opt out of their current standards to escape the perils of the recession, with government support.
Organic farmers have asked the government for permission to take a "holiday" from strict organic standards in an attempt to survive the recession.
Organisations including the Soil Association have asked DEFRA secretary of state Hilary Benn for a break from regulation standards following a dip in sales of organics.
Sales of organic food slumped 10 per cent in the 12 weeks up to the end of November, according to the latest TNS data, despite a six per cent rise in overall food sales.
They want their members to be able to use conventional animal feed instead of organic food concentrate which costs twice as much, relaxing the rules for an indefinite period. Average organic feed prices are £320 a tonne compared with £160 a tonne for conventional feed.
The plan, which is also supported by Organic Farmers & Growers and the Organic Food Federation, would still oblige farmers to follow other organic tenets such as low stocking densities, minimum use of antibiotic treatments on animals and no use of fertilisers.
