A SHORTAGE of UK organic cereals has led to an appeal from an animal feed supplier.

Ian Proctor, a director of Hi-Peak Feeds in Derbyshire is reluctantly having to make up the shortfall with organic crops from Italy and Germany but, with the average premium for organic cereals bought in the UK put at £100 a tonne, he believes there is an opportunity for more British arable farmers to join in.

Mr Proctor, a director of Organic Farmers and Growers, says that premium has remained pretty constant for the last six years.

"For some crops the premium is even greater, indicating a marketing opportunity worth looking into by conventional and organic arable farmers alike to convert land to organic production," he said.

"At present and reluctantly we have to use imported organic wheat from the EC in our feeds, mainly from Germany and also Italy, as we are unable to get enough from the UK. We are also having trouble finding suppliers of organic lupins for the coming year."

About 80pc of organic cereals consumed in the UK for the animal feeds and milling industries are imported and, in some instances, this rises to nearer 90pc.

There are 270,000 hectares of British land in conversion, but the majority of this is permanent pasture.

"Many farmers seem to be wary of growing cereals organically," said Mr Proctor. "After decades of using pesticides to grow crops there's a huge change in mindset needed to grow them organically.

"What worries me is that, in 2005, the situation will get even worse, as we'll have to produce 100pc organic animal feeds to comply with the new regulations.

"I would much rather buy cereals from the UK, but I'm forced to look to the continent for my ingredients."

Organic Farmers and Growers are Britain's second largest certifier of organic production. They have 644 members with land in conversion but only 26pc are converting to arable farming.

Contact Organic Farmers and Growers on 01743 440512.