As part of the government’s ‘Farming Roadmap 2050: Growing England’s Future’, Defra has published its Organic Action Plan for England (OAPE).
It sets out how government and the organic sector will work together from 2026 to grow domestic production, improve market opportunities and help more people understand what organic farming offers.
The report sets out five key pledges that Defra will measure results against. These are:
- To close the gap between imports and exports of organic goods, achieved through an increase in domestic organic production and manufacturing
- An ambition to grow the organically managed land area in England to 10%
- To increase the share of organic food within public sector purchasing.
- To improve the knowledge and understanding of organic production among farmers, growers, and consumers.
Government figures show consumer demand for organic products continues to grow. UK organic retail sales reached £3.9 billion in 2025. Defra expects the OAPE to support English farmers to fulfil a greater share of this growing market, although it acknowledges that organic farming is not the right choice for every farm.
Steve Clarkson of the OF&G (Organic Farmers & Growers) said: “The OAPE has been a long time in the making and marks a considerable milestone for the organic sector.
Through our role in the English Organic Forum, the plan has been co-developed and we look forward to overseeing its delivery across three themes that seek to increase and better manage organic supply, increase domestic production, and grow demand through increased consumer awareness and demand from the public sector.
“The plan acknowledges the strong body of evidence that supports organic’s capacity to restore nature, reduce chemical exposure, deliver sustainable resources such as improved soil health, as well as its positive outcomes for climate change adaption. As such, the plan’s vision for organic closely aligns with wider government policy commitments on food, farming and the environment.
“By recognising organic’s contribution across multiple strategic priorities and coordinating with leading sector stakeholders, this joined up approach presents the best possible opportunity for the organic sector to maintain growth and play a pivotal role at the heart of food production in England moving forward.”
