The UK National Farmers Union yesterday voiced its support for a new initiative - Organic Grain Link - aimed at promoting closer co-operation between all levels of the organic grain supply chain.
According to the NFU, the initiative, developed by Norton Organic Grain in conjunction with Lincolnshire Organic Producers, aims to address market structure issues such as price, market opportunities and the supply and demand balance.
The NFU claims that it has already paved the way for the major egg producer, Deans Foods, to enter into a supply agreement to replace imported organic grain with domestic product.
The agreement, adds the NFU,will see home-grown organic feed wheat making up an increasing proportion of the company's grain requirements.
Speaking at a function marking the supply agreement, NFU vice president Michael Paske said the initiative was a welcome development in connecting customers and producers.
"The NFU looks forward to being closely involved in the work of Organic Grain Link and playing a role in ensuring the organic sector is developed in a cohesive and sustainable manner."
NFU organic committee chairman Oliver Dowding added: "Organic Grain Link has the potential to widen the market for UK organic grain by creating new market opportunities and hopefully at prices fair to producers.
"One of the greatest sources of frustration for our organic producers is the importation of products that can be grown here.
This initiative is already making progress in substituting domestically produced organic grain in place of imported products."