The government has unveiled a ten-year plan to expand organic farming in England, setting an ambition to increase the share of agricultural land managed organically from around 3.4% towards 10% by 2036.
The Organic Action Plan for England, published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on 14 October 2026, sets out how ministers and the organic sector intend to work together to increase domestic production and help English farmers benefit from demand for organic food.
What the plan proposes
Defra says the plan will provide clearer advice and support to farmers considering organic conversion, strengthen supply chains and create more opportunities to sell English organic produce in supermarkets, restaurants and markets at home and overseas.
The department says UK organic retail sales reached £3.9 billion in 2025, but some domestic demand is currently met through imports. Ministers want English growers and producers to capture a greater share of that market.
Support for farmers
The plan has been developed with the English Organic Forum and will be overseen jointly by Defra and the forum. It sits alongside existing agri-environment schemes, including organic conversion and maintenance options within the Sustainable Farming Incentive and wider Environmental Land Management arrangements.
Defra also identifies public-sector food procurement and consumer awareness as areas that could support demand for organic products.
Ambition, not a legal requirement
The target of moving towards 10% organic farmland by 2036 is an ambition, not a mandatory conversion requirement for individual farms. The government acknowledges that organic production will not suit every farming business.
The announcement does not establish a new ring-fenced grant budget or require farmers to change their production methods. Delivery will depend on the practical support, commercial opportunities and uptake achieved over the next decade.
Industry response
Organic sector representatives have welcomed the publication of a coordinated plan while emphasising the need for effective delivery and sufficient financial support to make conversion viable for farmers.