The NFU speaks tomorrow, at Organex, to highlight the falling profits and increasing imports that threaten the growth of organic production in the UK.

Focusing on the Government's Organic Action Plan for England, a panel will discuss ways forward for the ailing sector, addressing the concerns, brought to light by an NFU report, that the UK is more dependent on imported organic produce that any other country in Europe.

Figures also show that despite a massive increase in organic production land which trebled last year, the number of organic farmers making a loss has almost doubled in the past five years.

This is a worrying trend that is sure to continue unless organic food is sourced from the UK.

NFU organic chairman Oliver Dowding said: 'It is important that those involved in the food and drink chain recognise that the eternal chase for cheapness only compromises quality and business confidence.

'The government has made it clear that it believes that organic food production in this country has an important place. The food chain must respond to this by recognising that falling farm profitability and business confidence will stall any plans to take this forward.'