Written by Charlotte Cunningham
Provisional 2020 organic farming statistics[1] released by Defra has revealed a 12% increase in the overall UK land currently in conversion. Charlotte Cunningham reports. While not all the details in Defra’s annual review are as positive, OF&G (Organic Farmers & Growers) believes there is growing evidence to support a healthy, long-term outlook. This view is corroborated by OF&G’s internal data records for the same period, which in some instances exceed the overall sector growth figures reported by Defra. As the first organic control body (OCB) approved by Government, certifying over 50% of the UK organic land area, OF&G contributes to Defra’s annual organic farming data collection along with other OCBs. During 2020, OF&G itself saw a slight increase in producers during the period against what appears to be an overall sector decline of 5%. Roger Kerr, chief executive at OF&G, says that despite the small decrease in producer numbers, OF&G has also recorded a 6% increase in producer enquiries compared with the same period 12 months ago, with enquiries across all schemes up around 70%. This has translated into the slight increase OF&G has seen and indicates a growing interest in the environmental benefits and commercial opportunities provided by converting…
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