England’s organic farming sector is “holding its breath” on the eve of a long-anticipated government announcement on the future of financial support, as ministers prepare to outline revisions to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). 

The government is expected to announce details on the revised SFI scheme during a speech at the NFU conference tomorrow (Tuesday 24 February). The scheme is set to reopen this summer after its abrupt closure in March last year.

In the absence of a clear commitment since the SFI closure, organic land in England has remained largely unchanged at around three per cent of total farmland. This, the Soil Association points out, is in stark contrast to Wales, Scotland and the EU where the sector has support, with Scotland launching an Organic Action Plan last month to help meet its goal to double organic farmland. The EU has also committed to achieving at least 25 per cent organic farmland by 2030.

The uncertainty comes despite continued growth in the UK organic market, now valued at £3.7 billion after 13 consecutive years of expansion. Industry bodies argue that without domestic policy support, rising demand risks being met increasingly through imports.

Soil Association policy director Brendan Costelloe said: “When the SFI abruptly closed last year, all farmers who were making nature-friendly plans were left feeling frustrated and betrayed. We heard from farmers who put their plans on hold, including many of those who had plans to go organic. More than a year on, the organic sector is holding its breath as it continues to wait for a renewed commitment from government. By avoiding harmful, fossil-fuel based pesticides and fertilisers, organic farmers work with nature to deliver key benefits to society that must be recognised. This is essential as the care taken by organic farmers can mean they face higher costs. There is a lot of nervousness that the government will recklessly pull the rug out on this support.”