The use of compost in organic farming is set to explode by around 300 per cent, according to a report by the Waste and Resources Action Programme.
Within the next three years, WRAP claimed the industry would be using around 120,000 tonnes a year with a value of around £1 million.
The group commissioned the Organic Resource Agency, the Soil Association’s Producer Services, Elm Farm Research Centre and the Henry Doubleday Research Association to undertake an assessment of the needs, scale and value of the markets for composted materials.
The study showed the main users of compost are currently organic producers of vegetables and fruit.
Dr Phil Morley, agronomist with Wight Salads, said: “Compost is an excellent soil conditioner and has lifted our soil organic matter levels significantly.”
The aim of the research was to provide WRAP with better knowledge of market demand so it can track progress towards increasing the use of recycled composted products in high value markets.
However, the market is being held back in the organic sector by concerns over compost quality and fear of contamination from GM materials, weeds and heavy metals.
WRAP said it was addressing these issues with compost producers by supporting certification to British Standards in the industry.
It estimates that if the concerns are addressed, the compost market could grow by 300 per cent by 2007.
Anne O’Brien, WRAP’s head of organics, said: “The report has identified a healthy market for compost in organic farming and growing.
“Our task is to work with compost supplier and farmers to support the manufacture and use of more high quality compost products that buyers can be confident in.”
