Bakers, millers and sandwich makers are being urged to join a new commercial trade body, which has been set a remit to represent organic food processors’ commercial interests.

The Organic Trade Board (OTB) has been launched to co-ordinate promotions, consumer and scientific research and "to beat the organic drum", said Lizzie Vann, chair of the OTB.

While organisations such as the Soil Association and Organic Farmers & Growers offer a certification service, the WTB will be a body independent of the certifiers.

"Our aim is to represent the needs of the organics industry beyond what the certifier can do and beyond what retail groups can do," said Vann.