The NFU welcomed a recent opportunity to join organic stakeholders, NFU members, Defra officials and the then Farming Minister for an on-farm visit to Riverford Organic’s Peterborough site.
The visit provided an important opportunity to showcase the scale, ambition and innovation within the organic sector, and to discuss how the government and industry can work together to support its future growth.
Former Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle and guests were welcomed with an organic lunch before heading out on a guided tour of the farm.
Hands-on experience
Riverford’s Peterborough site spans 500 acres of fully organic farmland and includes a bespoke packhouse that supports their national veg-box operation.
During the tour, attendees saw leeks being planted and viewed several of the SFI (Sustainable Farming Incentive) options that Riverford has incorporated into its land management systems.
The team also highlighted the integrated farm management approaches they use to deliver on their organic commitments, demonstrating how environmental stewardship and commercial production can work hand in hand.
The group then moved into the packhouse, where some visitors had the chance to help pack veg boxes and see the wide range of fresh produce harvested that day. This hands-on experience offered valuable insight into the scale and efficiency of Riverford’s operation.
Organic action plan
The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion focused on the National Organic Plan for England. Stakeholders explored the plan’s emerging detail and discussed how industry and government can collaborate to build a thriving, resilient organic sector.
The NFU is pleased to see the strategy progressing and looks forward to continuing to work closely with organic stakeholders to empower organic members and strengthen the future of the sector.
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