The government has set an ambition to increase the proportion of agricultural land farmed organically in England to 10% by 2036, saying the move will improve food security and climate resilience. The announcement frames the shift as a long-term policy objective rather than an immediately funded programme, and has prompted questions about how farmers will be supported through the transition.
Currently, just 3.4% of England’s agricultural land is managed under organic systems, one of the smallest shares in Europe. By contrast, France currently farms about 10.4% of its land organically and has set a target of 18% by 2027, underlining the gap between England’s present position and some continental neighbours.
The government said the ambition is intended to help build more resilient food supplies and deliver environmental benefits, including through farming practices that many proponents argue can enhance soil health and biodiversity. Officials presented the target as part of a broader approach to agricultural and environmental policy, but offered few immediate details on the financial or regulatory measures that would be used to achieve it.
Concerns have been raised about funding for conversion and long-term support. Transitioning land from conventional to organic production typically involves upfront costs and a period in which yields can be lower, and observers say clarity is needed on the level and timing of incentives, technical assistance and market development required to make the ambition feasible.
The 2036 timeframe gives the government a long planning horizon, but achieving the 10% goal will depend on how policies are designed and resourced in coming years. Farmers, industry bodies and environmental groups will now be watching for the publication of detailed plans and funding commitments that set out how the target will be delivered in practice.