Organic Imports Down - But Not Enough

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Monday, 19 April 2004

The UK's major supermarkets have been accused of importing "substantial amounts" of organic food from abroad rather than buying home-grown produce.

The Soil Association reports that the big chains are getting vegetables from abroad even when they are in season in the UK.

The association's marketing director, Martin Cottingham, said that, while the supermarkets must do better, there have been some recent improvements.

He told the BBC: "Just two years ago, only 30% of organic food was coming from the UK and now it's nearly 50%. "That's partly a reflection of the government's organic action plan two years ago which has really nudged things in a positive direction."

The government has said by 2010 it would like to see 70% of organic food sold produced in the UK.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk. For full story go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3637989.stm
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