The UK is lagging behind many of its European counterparts when it comes to its support of the organic food and farming industry, one group has said.

According to the Soil Association, the UK's government has been "lazy" in its approach to the industry, with very little done to ensure it can be sustained.

Peter Melchett, Soil Association policy director, said: "The results of our investigation provide a blueprint for the new government to live up to its pledge, and to move the UK from the bottom of the European league table when it comes to backing organic."

The group indicated that decision makers should identify the organic market as an important growth area for the economy, as well as endorsing a Food for Life Catering Mark.

Trewin Restorack, chief executive officer of Global Action Plan, recently pointed out that home grown produce is much cheaper than buying it in the supermarket.