SALES of organic products continue to grow much faster than sales in the non-organic grocery market and last year reached £1.213 billion, an increase of 11 per cent on the previous year, according to figures from the Soil Association.

The report's key findings also include an encouraging widening of the appeal of organic food and farming, a six per cent growth in the market for organic baby foods and a worrying one per cent increase in imports of organic food and drink.

"This report shows that the popularity of organic food is growing steadily and the organic market has a bright future, said Patrick Holden, the Soil Association's director.

"Increasing numbers of people are eager to buy local to obtain the freshest organic food possible and to cut down on the environmental pollution caused by food miles, which is good news for small producers."

He explained: "Some supermarkets are responding positively to the appetite for local food, but others are choosing to fly in the face of consumer expectations and government targets by increasing reliance on imports. Imported beef and pork may be cheaper but they mean increased food miles and are often produced by lower animal welfare standards.

"After two consecutive years in which little or no progress has been made towards the important reduction goals set in the Organic Action Plan,

"The Government needs to step up its efforts to get the major retailers to take its targets seriously," said Mr Holden.