Organic farming: the number of producers has increased

Contrasting picture for organic farming in the United Kingdom, according to statistics Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) the number of organic producers has increased but the total area has declined. This could indicate the abandonment of large, low-yielding farms for smaller, more profitable units.

 

 

 

Defra statistics on agriculture show that the number of organic producers in the UK has increased. In 2018 the number of organic producers was 3,544, an increase of 2% compared to the previous year.

 

 

 

The data was collected in partnership with OF & G (Organic Farmers and Growers), the organic certification body, which specified that the number of licenses issued increased by 2.5%. The organization estimates that this growth comes from new entrants in the sector.

 

 

 

In contrast to these increases in the number of producers and licenses, Defra has seen a reduction in land used for organic production. This could indicate the abandonment of large, low-yielding farms for smaller, more profitable units.