Farmers seem to have lost confidence in organic farming

After a rush to convert, there now appears to be a crisis of confidence about the long-term financial benefits of organic farming.

While four years ago 250 farmers a month were applying to convert that figure has now fallen to just 40 a month.

And no dairy farmers have shown an interest in converting.

Consumer demand for organic food and milk is growing.

Tough competition

But British farmers say it is not worthwhile producing organic goods because they cannot compete with cheaper organic imports.

They say they are not getting the support from the supermarkets or financial help from the government for long term survival.

The government has so far paid out �48m to farmers to convert to organic farming.

They have to stay in organic farming for at least five years or pay the money back.

BBC Radio 4's Farming Today has learned that a significant number intend to return to conventional farming after the five years are up.