Are we trading down from organic? Sales of organic eggs are down.
With economic turbulance unfolding around the globe Sheila Dillon asks what the future holds for organic food and farming. If we end up in a recession will fewer of us be prepared to pay the premium for organic food? Will the organic movement be forced to rethink its future direction?
The Soil Association and Organic Farmers and Growers, the two main organisations that inspect organic producers and enforce EU wide standards, remain optimistic about the future. They argue that enough of us have committed to organic food and the idea that it offers a model of farming with benefits for the environment, for animal welfare and for our health.
However, there are problems along the organic supply chain. Higher prices and shortages of organic feed have placed organic poultry and dairy businesses under pressure. Some are now switching back to conventional production because of the economic knock on effects.
How will those involved in organic food and farming balance these pressures against the principles underpinning the organic movement? A question Sheila explores in the programme.
Presenting The Food Programme has been Sheila's perfect job.