Carrots, parsnips and potatoes grown by RB Organic are being supplied to baby-food manufacturers and to producers of fresh and frozen ready meals, as part of the company's latest expansion into new markets.

'The current patterns show that babies raised on organic food today are likely to stay with organic products into their adult lives,' said Andrew Burgess, RB Organic commercial director. 'These developments make the future for our industry with a new generation of consumers very exciting.' The upward trend in the organic baby food sector, which is now worth some £24m annually with nearly a third of UK babies being brought up on organics, according to the Organic Food and Farming Report 2000, is being mirrored in other areas.

'Over recent years, organic production has developed significantly into a very professional industry, and the surge in market demand goes to show how society's attitudes towards organics have changed,' said Burgess.

'Consumers understand the environmental issues, purity and traditional values associated with organic production and, consequently, organics are becoming the essence of many lifestyle changes.' The company, which is a dedicated organics division of Isleham Fresh Produce, operates from the Stanley Farm site at Yaxley, Cambs.

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