Farmers leave organic food trade

Organic egg sales have been particularly badly hit

Farmers in Shropshire are increasingly backing out of organic food production as sales continue to fall.

Organic Farmers and Growers, based in Albrighton, said the increased cost of living was to blame for people cutting back on their spending.

Chief Executive Richard Jacobs said several food producers had opted out of organic farming as a result.

He said sales of organic eggs were being particularly badly hit by falling sales.

'Dropping out'

He said: "The concern is whether it's a blip or a trend.

"We're actually seeing an increase in the number of people dropping out of organic production.

"Many more are considering it."

He added: "Over a period of years we have seen organic sales increase quite considerably at times.

"This drop, although it's rather unfortunate and unwelcome, I don't think it's necessarily the death knell of the organic food industry."