Organic Food Rule Change Warning

The Soil Association has warned that food flown into the UK will be stripped of its organic status unless it meets new stricter ethical standards. The association, which certifies 70% of the UK's organic food sector, says firms must show trade brings real benefit to developing world farmers. It wants all air-freighted food to meet tough ethical trade standards. But Trade and Development Minister, Gareth Thomas, said he feared the changes could harm African farmers. The Soil Association says few overseas firms currently meet the planned new standards.