Public spend on natural produce is a 3rd increased versus 5 years in the past, however UK natural farmland has stayed static, the most recent figures present.
The Soil Affiliation’s annual report, launched at this time (22 February), reveals that the natural food and drinks market has seen a twelfth yr of development.
The overall market grew 2% in 2023 ending the yr at £3.2 billion – nearly double its worth in 2011.
Nevertheless, regardless of this, the UK natural sector has a heavy reliance on imports.
And whereas shopper spend on natural is a 3rd increased versus 5 years in the past, UK natural farmland has seen no development, staying flat at 3%.
This compares with Europe the place the most recent figures present that natural farmland grew by 5.1% to 16.9 million hectares or 10.4% of complete farmland in 2022.
Soil Affiliation Certification business director, Alex Cullen mentioned there have been nonetheless many challenges and limitations to the extent of natural development within the UK.
“We’d like a radical rethink if natural goes to succeed in its full potential and convey natural farming into the mainstream,” he mentioned.
“Your complete provide chain should work collectively to develop the market and unlock demand for homegrown UK natural contemporary produce, supported by the federal government.
“And we will be taught priceless classes from Europe the place there’s better assist and dedication from governments and retailers for farmers.”
The report additionally exhibits that natural grocery store gross sales returned to development after a dip in 2022, now value £2 billion up 2.7%.
Meals service, which noticed massive development in 2022 of 156%, remained steady in 2023.
