A new report from Henry Doubleday Research Association reveals that 57 per cent of organic vegetablessold in the UK are also grown here.

The report estimates the retail value of organic vegetables at £143 million and the volume at 103,000 tonnes, of which 60,000t (57 per cent) are grown in the UK.

Funded by Defra and led by HDRA, who has been working with the Soil Association, Elm Farm Research Centre and the Institute of Rural Studies, Aberystwyth details were gathered on cropping areas and volumes of organic vegetables sold and their source from 2001/02 marketing season.

The results show a clearer picture of UK self-sufficiency for 25 vegetables and identifies gaps that growers can fill. However, the figure of 57 per cent disguises vast variations between crops, spanning from 85 per cent for leeks to 33 per cent for onions being sourced in the UK. Projections estimate that for many crops there remains potential to increase UK supplies by a further 10 to 15 per cent.

The report finds that almost three quarters of organic vegetables are sold through major multiples. With the remaining split between processing, wholesale and those sold directly through the grower.

Defra has recognised the need to collect data on an annual basis so packers and wholesalers of organic vegetables are invited to take part in a study for the 2002/03 season.

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