Organic crop research gets boost

Supermarket chain Tesco is aiming to set up the biggest research project into organic crop production in the world, it said today.

Under the company’s guidance, large tracts of agricultural land have been set aside exclusively for study into organic production, and a special research centre, funded substantially by Tesco, has been established at Newcastle University.

Tesco’s fresh organic produce director Peter Fry said: ‘‘Discovering the secrets of successful large scale organic crop production is one of the most important goals facing British farming today.

‘‘The organic food industry in Britain is still in its infancy, and most crops are being grown on a comparatively small scale by growers who have little or no scientific support to call upon to help them make the most of their efforts.

‘‘Tesco believes that science is the key to Britain becoming a world leader, but we need to act now.’’

He added: ‘‘Together with our colleagues’ support, Tesco is now aiming to establish the biggest research project into organic crop production in the world.

"Boosting organic production will help stem the huge flood of organic foods which we are forced to import to meet customer demand.’’