Key facts
- England aims to have 10% of its agricultural land farmed organically by 2036.
- Currently, only 3.4% of England's agricultural land is farmed organically.
- France farms 10.4% of its land organically and plans to reach 18% by 2027.
- The government's plan includes increasing organic food procurement in public sectors like schools and hospitals.
- The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) funding was depleted rapidly, leaving some farmers unable to access funds for organic transition.
The UK government has announced a plan to significantly increase the amount of land farmed organically in England, setting a target of 10% by 2036. This ambition comes as England currently has one of the smallest shares of organic farmland in Europe, at just 3.4%, compared to France's 10.4% with a goal of 18% by 2027.
The new plan, developed over three years, aims to foster growth in the organic sector by leveraging opportunities such as increased organic food procurement in public institutions like schools and hospitals. Environment Secretary Angela Eagle stated that the plan seeks to create opportunities for farmers, whether they are already producing organic food or considering the transition. She emphasized that organic farming should not be considered a niche market, given growing consumer interest in food provenance and production standards.
However, the transition faces funding challenges. Rob Haward, CEO of organic veg box company Riverford, noted that while the plan has political backing, the sector requires substantial government support, including grant funding. He highlighted that the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) funding was quickly depleted earlier in the year, potentially hindering farmers' plans to switch to organic methods. Gareth Morgan of the Soil Association acknowledged that funding discussions with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) resulted in a compromise, and urged for the reopening of the SFI program to facilitate the transition.
Industry stakeholders also stressed the need for broader investment. Martin Lines of the Nature Friendly Farming Network stated that government funding alone is insufficient, calling for real investment from the supply chain and private sector, alongside fairer prices for farmers and stronger domestic markets. The National Farmers' Union, representing both organic and non-organic farms, viewed the plan as a positive step for the supply chain, emphasizing the importance of supporting domestic production for food supply chain resilience and reducing reliance on imports.
Organic farming is also highlighted for its resilience to extreme weather and rising input costs. Morgan noted that organic farms are less exposed to risks like drought and soaring fertiliser prices, which have challenged conventional farmers this year. The plan is seen as an indication of the government's focus on food security pathways.