Today (22nd February), Soil Association Certification launched the 25th Organic Market Report 2024 sponsored by RBOrganic Ltd, which reveals that the organic market has delivered its 12th year of positive growth despite the global political and economic turmoil and the cost of living crisis at home. The total market grew 2% in 2023 ending the year at £3.2 billion – almost double its value in 2011.
However, despite this solid performance, the sector’s heavy reliance on imports means that many farmers are currently missing out on the potential benefits organic can bring to their business – and the UK environment in turn is missing out on the benefits organic can bring for nature. Shopper spend on organic is a third higher versus five years ago, but UK organic farmland has stayed at a static 3%.
Soil Association Certification Commercial Director Alex Cullen said: “Organic has delivered a positive and resilient performance despite challenging financial and political conditions and without the support that organic food and farming receives in Europe and elsewhere in the world.
“The market and macro trends are pointing to an upward trajectory but there are still many challenges and barriers to the level of growth that UK organic should be delivering for farmers – with price the biggest barrier.
“We need a radical rethink if organic is going to reach its full potential and bring organic farming into the mainstream. The entire supply chain must work together to grow the market and unlock demand for homegrown UK organic fresh produce, supported by the government.