Organic Farmland Set For 10% Expansion In Push To Unlock Growth

By 2036 organically farmed land across England could nearly triple from 3.4% to 10% under a new government action plan that sets out measures to help producers meet rising demand within a £3.9bn organic market.

Launched on 14 October by Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle, the Organic Action Plan for England is designed to increase domestic organic production, strengthen farm businesses, and improve access to the expanding organic food and drink market.

The 10-year growth strategy outlines measures to support growers considering conversion to organic production, alongside improving routes to market, and increasing the availability of homegrown organic food.

Organic food sales are now worth more than £3.9 billion annually, up 4.2% last year, and continue to rise, Defra said in a press release.

Currently, there are approximately 301,000 hectares of organic farmland in England, although that area has grown by just 1.5% in 2025.

To bridge that gap between domestic production and consumer demand, and to reduce reliance on imports, the government aims to turn ambition into action by helping English farmers capture a greater share of the organic market. 

The plan places particular emphasis on strengthening domestic supply chains, creating more opportunities to sell organic products in the UK and overseas, and ensuring more organic food reaches supermarket shelves and restaurant menus.

With consumers buying more organic food every year, Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said the government wants English farmers to be in a strong position to respond to that demand.

“Our Organic Action Plan for England is about opening up opportunities across the sector, from backing farmers already producing organic food to helping others decide whether it could work for their businesses,” Dame Eagle explained.

“Demand for organic food is growing. By strengthening the market here at home, we can help more English farmers benefit from the demand on our shelves.”

Three Priorities For Organic Growth

The plan focuses on three areas: supporting existing and new organic producers and processors; bringing domestic supply more closely into line with demand; and increasing demand for English organic products through greater consumer awareness and public sector procurement.

Improving supply chain connections is a key part of the strategy, with the government seeking to address barriers that prevent domestic producers from benefiting fully from consumer demand.

Riverford Organic Farmers in Devon is highlighted as an example of how established markets and long-term grower relationships can support domestic production. 

Around 70% of the fresh produce supplied in its boxes is grown in the UK, while its partnerships with organic growers provide a secure route to market.

“Growing more organic fruit and veg in Britain is a long-term investment in our soils, our growers and the resilience of UK horticulture,” commented Rob Haward, CEO of Riverford.

“Growers need the confidence to make that investment, backed by clear, consistent support from government and strong markets for what they produce.

“The Organic Action Plan for England is a real opportunity to give growers that confidence and help more of them invest in organic. Done well, that means more British organic fruit and veg on our plates, good jobs in rural communities and more choice for consumers.”

The government also points to Shimpling Park Farm in Suffolk as an example of organic production operating at scale. 

The farm demonstrates how organic methods can support soil regeneration, reduce carbon emissions and encourage wildlife, while helping neighbouring farms adopt organic practices and maintaining a profitable business.

Industry Welcomes Opportunity To Reduce Imports

The Organic Action Plan has been welcomed by organisations representing the organic sector, including the NFU, English Organic Forum, and the Soil Association.

Industry figures highlight the opportunity to reduce reliance on imported organic produce and create more favourable conditions for investment by British growers.

Adrian Steele, co-chair of the English Organic Forum and Soil Association farming advisor, described the Organic Action Plan for England as a win for the UK’s food and farming system.

“It recognises that more organic land can help the government to deliver its wider environmental goals, from healthier soils and cleaner water to more biodiversity and less reliance on artificial inputs like pesticides,” Steele pointed out.

“With growing consumer demand for organic often being met by imports, we have long called for a more joined-up approach that breaks down supply chain barriers and helps farmers meet that demand.

“England has an innovative and entrepreneurial food and farming sector, and we welcome this plan which we hope will create the right conditions for organic farmers, growers and businesses to invest and thrive,” Steele added.

Soil Association chief executive Helen Browning said organic farming is a key solution to tackling the climate and nature crises without taking land out of food production. 

“It’s great to see government backing organic with an action plan that will help us build farming systems that are less dependent on harmful chemicals and more resilient to climate change, boosting nature and safeguarding food security in the process,” Browning enthused.

“We’re excited to work with government to unlock economic opportunities by helping more British farmers and food businesses meet consumer demand for organic, reducing our reliance on imports.”

Supporting Investment And Resilience

The Organic Action Plan puts into practice the government’s commitment in the Farming Roadmap to 2050, aiming to give farmers greater confidence to invest in profitable and resilient businesses.

Alongside its market-development objectives, the plan recognises the potential benefits of organic farming for soil health, biodiversity, water quality and animal welfare. 

It also acknowledges that farmers will continue to choose the production systems best suited to their individual businesses.

The government’s stated ambition is to give consumers more organic choice in supermarkets, local shops, and restaurants, with a greater proportion of products grown in England.

Read the Organic Action Plan here.