Organic food sales are booming, claimed the Soil Association, with an estimated rise of around £2 million a week.

Last year saw sales grow by 10 per cent and the market is now worth £1.12 billion according to the association’s figures.

However, while the market is in growth, supermarket sales have fallen by one per cent for the second year running, said Patrick Holden, director of the SA.

The growth is being driven by sales direct from farmers, he said. “The organic market is thriving and is being driven by consumers who want to buy fresh, local, good quality seasonal food, directly from the farmer.

“The leading supermarkets must take note of the public’s wishes and increase the amount of locally sourced organic food in store, which should come from small and medium-sized farms.”

He said sales from farmers’ markets, farm shops and doorstep delivery schemes rose by 16 per cent and are now worth £108m.

However, the Soil Association praised Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose for stocking organic food from UK producers and reducing imports.

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