NORTH Yorkshire organic farm produce is to be given the famous Fairtrade mark as part of a scheme launched by the Fairtrade Foundation and Soil Association.

Retailers will be able to use the mark, normally reserved for ethically- produced food from the developing world, if they pay farmers enough to cover the sustainable cost of production.

The scheme has received the backing of the Prince of Wales who said it could encourage the kind of farming systems Britain needed.

Patrick Holden, director of the Soil Association, said: "Many farmers around the world are suffering from prices for their products which do not cover the cost of production, and this is certainly true in the United Kingdom.

"People talk about the food chain in the food industry, but in reality it's a fear chain.

"Everyone involved is frightened of losing out. Existing trading practices contribute to this problem and this new scheme will help promote the changes needed to ensure a fair return to farmers."

The scheme will run for a year and many North Yorkshire-based independent retailers and producers are expected to take advantage of it.

However, the National Farmers' Union is reserving judgement.

Spokesman Rob Simpson said: "In theory it sounds a good idea. UK farmers share the problem of unsustainable produce prices. Milk is a good example of that with producers receiving 10p per pint, whereas the average sold on the shelves is 37p per pint. For organic dairies the situation is even worse.

"However, many questions remain. Is the scheme going to be extended to non-organic farmers, and will consumers be put off when they are faced by another brand?

"At the end of the day the majority of people look at the cost and often go for the cheapest."

He said campaigns such as the Evening Press Eat Local campaign, aimed at promoting food produced in Yorkshire, helped to bring the consumer to the farm gate and in turn increase profits.

Updated: 10:47 Thursday, January 09, 2003