I live in close to a very large town (the north west), so have access to many supermarkets and a few decent farm shops. We have a Tesco, Sainsbury's, the usual lot, plus a Booths a small journey up the road.
In the past year or I have noticed organic produce dwindling in most of these stores, and this week, even the farm shops, whilst stocking branded stuff and local meat, had no seasonal produce at all.
I used to be able to get most of my salad and veg from Tesco organic, but within the past 12 months most of it has been discontinued. Up until recently they offered some decent tomatoes, cabbage and potatoes, all now gone. Shops such as Lidl and Asda also used to offer less but frequent organic options, but they too have cut back.
I did notice much less when visiting family in Lancaster and Cumbria, too. Even a few local grocer's had stopped stocking organic. You do get the occasional offering, something random like spring onion or a packet of pears, but it does seem to be decreasing by the month.
I have also noticed an almost complete cessation of local produce in surrounding supermarkets too, so it has become difficult to purchase in season, local goods in the same timeframe. At this point, I would usually be able to buy local greens, apples, potatoes and such from the UK at both M&S and Tesco, but not recently.
Is something declining? I would blame the economy and such, but people are spending! Whilst more people are struggling in general, the target market for organic produce is still here (locally) at least. Just wondering if perhaps there is less call for it in some areas, since a lady in Tesco told me they had stopped offering organic chicken due to no interest.
I can find it online, from all of the usual brands, but not locally.