Iceland's announcement follows the government's admission that it cannot prevent cross-contamination of conventional or organic crops by genetically modified crops being given trials in Britain. The move will raise the political heat on ministers who are perceived as favouring the new technology above organic methods. They are a long way behind. This is expected to nearly treble by April 2003. About one in three Britons buys some organic food.
Organic foods can cost up to twice as much as conventionally produced ones, especially meat.