A Defra-commissioned review has concluded that certified organic farming has the strongest body of evidence demonstrating environmental benefits among the assurance schemes assessed, particularly in relation to biodiversity, soil health and reduced chemical use.

The review, carried out by the Organic Research Centre (ORC), examined more than 300 peer-reviewed studies alongside farm-level data and standards assessments to evaluate how environmental assurance schemes contribute to the government’s Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) goals.

According to the report, organic farming consistently showed positive outcomes for biodiversity, soil health and reduced pesticide use. It also identified evidence of benefits for water quality and climate resilience, although the authors said further research is needed to better understand the impact of organic systems on greenhouse gas emissions and air quality.

ORC senior researcher Dr Julia Cooper said the review assessed certified organic systems against the government’s ten Environmental Improvement Plan goals using multiple evidence sources.

“The evidence identified clear environmental benefits from organic farming,” she said. “We also examined other environmental farm assurance schemes, including LEAF Marque, but found relatively little published evidence linking integrated farm management systems to environmental indicators.”

The review found that LEAF Marque standards demonstrate broad environmental ambitions, including commitments to climate change mitigation, resource efficiency and integrated pest management. However, it concluded that there is currently limited published evidence to verify the environmental outcomes achieved by LEAF Marque farms.

Christopher Stopes, co-chair of the English Organic Forum and policy adviser to Organic Farmers & Growers CIC, said the review provides a comprehensive assessment of the available evidence on the environmental performance of organic farming. He said the findings could inform the development of Defra’s planned Organic Action Plan for England.

ORC and the Soil Association are due to host a webinar to discuss the report’s findings and their implications for environmental policy, organic farming and future research.

The report, A review of the role of environmentally assured production in supporting environmental goals, and a price and cost benefit analysis (SCF0331), is available from the Organic Research Centre.