Chickening out on organic rules

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

The seemingly worldwide recession has caused a crisis for organic producers. Sales are down and they can't sell their stuff as consumers tighten their belts and try to make the green stuff in their wallets go further.

British newspapers report that organic food sales slumped by 10 per cent in September, October and November, while overall food sales increased six per cent. Organic certification organizations asked the Rural Affairs Secretary to relax stringent rules on animal feed for an indefinite period. They wanted to be able to feed their organic animals conventional feed at half the cost per tonne of organic grains. Standards on stocking densities, antibiotic and fertilizer use would remain in place.

Growers are concerned that economic conditions will be even worse in the coming year. The Organic Research Centre condemns the move, fearing that even more consumers will move away from organic food if standards aren't maintained. BF