Government renews commitment to organic farming

The government has revealed that the new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) will support organic farming. The announcement includes confirmation of support for both farmers going through the two-year conversion period and those carrying out ongoing organic land management, both of which involve strict environmental standards.

The Soil Association was quick to welcome the news. However, some options have been removed – from both organic and other support options within the SFI – and the charity says it will be spending the coming days and weeks investigating the potential impacts of these changes.

‘Much-needed clarity’
Brendan Costelloe, policy director for the Soil Association, said: “Our declining wildlife and our farmers, who are dealing with the impacts of climate change, desperately need a nature-friendly-farming revolution. The new details of the Sustainable Farming Incentive provide much-needed clarity and reassurance for farmers, many of whom have had plans on hold. 

 "This includes organic – and we are really pleased to see government’s renewed commitment to backing the sector with the highest environmental standards. The continued support for conversion to organic and the core ongoing organic land management options will help to give further confidence to the growing numbers looking to seize the opportunities from the booming organic market.

"Next, we need an Organic Action Plan for England, as Scotland have done, which would add to the growing momentum in the UK around organic. This would help to catalyse public and private partnerships, increase investment in the sector, and unlock the economic and environmental opportunities that organic brings."

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