Published today, the government’s Organic Action Plan for England sets out a 10-year roadmap to grow domestic organic production from around 3.4% of agricultural land to 10% by 2036. It’s an ambitious target, and for farmers and growers weighing up whether conversion might be right for their business, the detail matters as much as the headline.
Here’s our take on what the plan says, what it means in practice, and what to think about before you decide.
The market is there but England isn’t supplying it
UK organic retail sales hit £3.9 billion in 2025. That’s a significant and growing market. The problem is that England’s organic area has barely changed since 2012, so imports meet much of that demand, particularly in horticulture.
The plan aims to close that gap. With public sector spending around £5 billion a year on food, and an ambition for 10% of that to meet higher environmental standards, English producers have a real opportunity. Milk, cereals and seasonal vegetables are identified as priority areas.
The plan’s ambition goes beyond funding: recognition of organic’s role in public procurement, supply chain development and food security is built into the roadmap, which matters as much for long-term market confidence as the payment rates.
What the plan actually offers
Beyond the headline target, the plan sets out practical support for farmers considering conversion:
- A single information hub pulling together guidance on certification, funding, business planning and routes to market
- One-to-one conversion advice
- Farmer-to-farmer learning networks
- An Organic Observatory, publishing better market data so farm businesses can make decisions based on clearer evidence rather than gut feel.
On funding, SFI and Countryside Stewardship organic options remain in place and Defra has committed to keeping them under review. That’s not a dramatic new offer, but it’s a clear signal that organic will stay within the ELM framework.
What the evidence says
The case for organic is strongest on soil health, biodiversity and climate resilience. Defra-funded research backs this up across all three. For farms where the system fits, reduced reliance on synthetic inputs can also lower exposure to volatile fertiliser and pesticide costs, something that’s felt very real over the past few years.
But organic isn’t right for every farm. The conversion period (typically two years) involves real cost and complexity. Markets need to be in place before you convert, not after. And the system needs to fit your land, your rotation and your business model. It’s as much about changing how you think about your farm as it is about changing what you do on it; for some people, that shift never quite happens.
What to think about before you convert
If you’re seriously considering conversion, here are the questions worth working through first:
Do you have a market? Organic premium only works if you can access it. Know your route, whether that’s a processor, a retailer or direct sales, before you start the conversion clock.
Do your soils suit the system? Organic systems rely on soil biology and fertility management rather than synthetic inputs. Compacted, low-organic-matter soils will make the transition harder and slower. A clear picture of where your soils are starting from is essential.
Have you run the numbers? Conversion costs are real. So is the two-year period where you’re farming to organic standards but not yet receiving organic prices. A full financial model that maximises SFI, Countryside Stewardship, and any other funding you can access is essential before you commit.
Does the system fit your rotation? Organic works best where there’s flexibility: space for fertility-building leys, cover crops and diverse cropping. If your system is highly specialised or fixed, it’s worth thinking carefully about how organic principles can realistically be integrated.
Our experience
We’ve worked with organic and regenerative farming systems for a long time, on our own farms and across farms throughout the South West and beyond.
Tom farms around 600 acres in Cornwall with his wife Nicola, with an Angus suckler herd alongside organic oats, barley and fodder beet, and has spent over 25 years working as a livestock nutrition consultant. As Tom puts it: “As an organic farmer for more than 25 years, I know the realities on the ground. Terrafarmer has a long track record of supporting organic farms across the UK, with a deep working knowledge of the standards and the key factors that can limit or unlock performance in organic systems.”
Will grew up on a mixed family farm in Lincolnshire that ran organically for eight years, studied at Newcastle University and spent six years as an agronomist supporting farmers through regenerative transitions, SFI applications and soil consultancy.
We’re not evangelical about organic for its own sake. What we care about is helping farmers make decisions that work for their land and their business.
Biological inputs for organic systems
Where we do work with organic farmers, our advice goes beyond the basics. Our Innovate UK-funded trial work, testing organically approved biological inputs across multiple farms, has consistently shown meaningful performance gains where a structured programme is followed.
We have trialled and tested key soil amendments and biological inputs to help organic growers increase yields, improve soil function and boost productivity. Our recommendations are grounded in sound soil science and independent trial data.
Already farming organically?
If you’re already in an organic system and want to know how well it’s really performing, our Organic Farm MOT is a practical whole-farm assessment covering soils, nutrients, rotations and livestock integration, with a tailored report and follow-up consultation with a FACTS/BASIS-qualified adviser. It’s designed to highlight the biggest opportunities for improvement and give you clear, practical steps to act on them. £1,250 + VAT.
Get in touch
If the Organic Action Plan has got you thinking, we’d be happy to talk it through. No obligation, just an honest conversation about whether organic conversion might work for your farm, and how we can help if it does.
About the author
After studying at Newcastle University, Will worked as an agronomist for six years, delivering regenerative farming advice alongside SFI and soil consultancy. His passion is supporting farmers on their transition to regenerative farming systems, particularly integrating livestock and arable systems to create more robust and resilient businesses.
