Organic farmers wary of Tesco bid

1 November 2001



Organic farmers wary of Tesco bid

By Isabel Davies

TESCO, Britains largest supermarket, has been urged to give preference to British organic food rather than importing vast amounts of produce.

Soil Association director Patrick Holden said domestic food must be given priority in Tesco plans to grow organic sales to 1bn within 5 years.

Three-quarters of organic food in the UK is currently imported and it is vital that Tesco operates a British first policy, he said.

Tesco claims it is already cutting the price of organic food in its stores. But Mr Holden said the retailer must support the industry long-term.

A combination of price wars and supermarket failure to be loyal to British producers had driven prices below cost of production, he added.

Thousands of farmers face bankruptcy, said Mr Holden. Supermarkets must recognise they have to pay a fair price for organic produce.

Organic farmers need to be assured that supermarkets will support them by paying a fair price that reflects the true cost of production.

• Supermarket code disappoints farmers, FWi, 1 November 2001
• Supermarkets deny weakening code, FWi, 13 March 2001
• Supermarket code watered down, FWi, 13 March, 2001
• Supermarkets – what the papers say, FWi, 11 October 2000
• NFU welcomes supermarket decision, FWi, 10 October 2000
• Supermarkets to have code of practice, FWi, 10 October 2000