NFU Deputy President hails Organic Action Plan as positive step for the sector
Photograph: Christopher Booth Photos
NFU Deputy President Paul Tompkins welcomes the Organic Action Plan for England as a positive step towards providing greater certainty, unlocking growth and building a more resilient organic sector.
Ultimately, a clear, stable and well-structured framework will benefit the organic sector.
By providing direction and long-term certainty, the Organic Action Plan has the potential to support NFU members, unlock growth and strengthen the resilience and success of the organic sector across England.
With demand for organic products continuing to grow each year, it is important that producers are well placed to respond.
Aligning domestic production more closely with market demand will help build resilient supply chains and ensure that growth in the sector translates into meaningful opportunities rather than greater reliance on imports.
Reliable information key to opportunities
The plan recognises the importance of practical advice, mentoring and farmer-to-farmer knowledge exchange.
Ensuring that existing organic producers and those considering conversion have access to reliable information will be important in helping farm businesses assess the opportunities and make informed decisions.
The proposed Organic Observatory is also an important element of the plan. Better information about production, trade, conversion rates and consumer demand could give farmers and the wider supply chain a clearer understanding of market trends, production gaps and potential areas for growth, allowing the market to grow in response to consumer-led demand.
Public procurement must strengthen domestic production
We also welcome the plan’s focus on public-sector procurement.
Increasing demand for home-grown food through schools, hospitals and other public settings has the potential to create valuable opportunities.
However, greater procurement must deliver measurable benefits and strengthen domestic production, rather than lead to increased reliance on imports. Clear reporting will be essential to demonstrate success in this area.
The NFU now looks forward to seeing the plan’s ambitions translated into practical and lasting outcomes for organic farmers and growers across England.
