The UK government has announced a new strategy aiming to increase the proportion of agricultural land farmed organically in England to 10% by 2036, up from the current 3.4%. This target positions England behind several European counterparts, including France, which currently farms over 10% of its land organically and plans to raise this to 18% by 2027.
The plan, developed over more than three years, sets out a vision for expanding the organic farming sector, highlighting opportunities such as public procurement in institutions like schools and hospitals. The government has already committed to ensuring that 10% of public sector food purchases meet higher environmental standards, with organic produce playing a key role in this effort.
Environment Secretary Angela Eagle described the initiative as a way to "open up opportunities across the sector," supporting farmers already engaged in organic practices and encouraging others to explore organic farming for their businesses. She emphasized that organic farming should no longer be viewed as a niche market, noting growing consumer interest in food provenance and production standards.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the plan but raised concerns about funding and support mechanisms. Rob Haward, chief executive of organic vegetable delivery company Riverford, acknowledged the potential for growth but highlighted challenges small organic farms face, particularly in navigating public procurement systems. He stressed the need for reliable government backing, including grant funding, to facilitate a smooth transition.
Funding availability has been a significant issue for farmers. In September, the government’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) funding for 2026 was exhausted within six hours, leaving many farmers without support that could have aided their move toward organic farming. Haward called for more consistent and secure funding mechanisms, warning that uncertainty hampers investment decisions.
Similarly, Gareth Morgan, head of farming policy at the Soil Association, indicated that while discussions with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) had occurred, outcomes represented a compromise. He urged reopening the SFI to better support farms transitioning to organic methods. Morgan also suggested that increasing organic farmland could lower the price gap between organic and conventional food by normalizing environmental costs currently externalized.
Martin Lines, chief executive of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, cautioned that farmers could not depend solely on government funds. He called for increased investment from the supply chain and private sector, alongside fairer pricing and stronger domestic markets to sustain organic agriculture.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU), representing both organic and conventional farmers, described the plan as a positive advancement for the broader supply chain. Deputy President Paul Tompkins stated that bolstering domestic production would enhance the resilience of food supply chains and reduce reliance on imports, benefiting British farmers and growers.
In her foreword to the plan, Eagle highlighted the role of organic farmers in producing quality food while supporting soil health, biodiversity, and rural communities. She also noted that organic agriculture contributes to broader environmental objectives such as nature recovery, cleaner water, and climate resilience.
The timing of the plan comes amid ongoing challenges for farmers, including crop damage from heat and drought and rising fertiliser costs linked to geopolitical tensions involving Iran. Studies suggest organic farms tend to be more resilient under such conditions and are less affected by fertiliser price fluctuations—factors that the plan recognizes as critical for food security moving forward.