UK &#8211, The future of the organic market could be under threat if the industry does not invest in training and safeguard against a skills shortage, warns the Transport & General Workers’ Union (T&G), a body representing food and agricultural workers.

Speaking at the Organic Farming, Environmental and Human Health Conference in London last week, Barry Leathwood, the T&G national secretary, said: “The organic sector is prospering while much of the rest of the industry is struggling with the problems of low prices, failing markets and reduced incomes. If we are to expand the sector, then we need not only to attract farmers and growers but the best of today’s young people.” The organisation is calling for further investment in training and the provision of a structured career path.

The T&G supports the objectives of the Organic Targets Bill, which seeks to increase the area of land under organic cultivation from the current 3% to 30% by 2010.