The Organic Farmers & Growers organisation (OF&G) is calling for more government action to boost English organic farming.
Defra figures show 540 thousand hectares were farmed organically in the UK, an increase of 7.3% compared to 2024.
However, the OF&G describe the figures as ‘telling’. Defra’s latest figures show a 7.3% increase in organic land area and a momentous 63% rise in UK land entering organic conversion. But while England remains the largest organic land base, its conversion area has grown by just 24%, with fully organic land remaining broadly static.
“This must be a wake-up call for the government. We’ve repeatedly seen in the devolved nations that when organic farming is backed with clear policy intent, farmer confidence follows suit as reflected in 2025’s statistics,” says Steve Clarkson, chief executive.
“England cannot afford to lose ground. Farmers are looking for certainty, consumers want food they trust, and the evidence base for organic’s environmental, economic and societal benefits would help meet multiple policy objectives. What’s missing is a clear plan to tap into organic’s full potential.”
The OF&G says a political commitment to organic farming, in line with the measures seen in Scotland and Wales, is needed and it recommends addressing three clear objectives.
It wants a robust framework to support farmers through conversion, the introduction of effective measures that strengthen organic supply chains and a vision to grow domestic production and capitalise on rising consumer demand that has seen 14 years of consecutive growth.
“We know that the demand for organic is there. The question is whether England’s agricultural policy will help farmers meet it.”
