The Soil Association is Britain in considering a refusal to certify organic produce if it has been airlifted into the country because of alleged environmental damage aircraft cause.

A ban on airlifting organic fruits and vegetables will hurt growing industries in poor countries, reported Reuters.

Horticultural producers in Kenya would be affected as imports of fruits, vegetables and flowers from the African nation and displayed on the UK's retail shelves have grown significantly over the last decade.

Nearly one quarter of Kenya's exports are said to be destined for markets in the UK.

"With the whole market valued at KES19 billion (US$269.7 million), that of course, is a sizable market," said Ms Jane Ngige, CEO of the Kenya Flower Council, reported Nairobi's Nation newspaper.

The move could also prove harmful to the Soil Association as experts warn that the body, which currently certifies more than 70 per cent of organic produce sold in Britain, may lose market share if it refuses to approve airfreighted goods. This, they say, would force producers to seek the support from other organic ratings organisations.

The report noted that companies such as Blue Skies, which airlifts organic pineapples from Ghana to UK retailer Waitrose, would be affected by a ban.

In response to environmentalist demands, the UK's top supermarket chain, Tesco, has decided to fly in less than one per cent of its products, down from the present two to three per cent.