Letter to the editor: Response to the Farmers Guardian

Dear Editor,

As guests acknowledged during the National Organic Conference, UK agriculture faces many challenges.

Organic food and farming, unlike many other initiatives, was not conceived as a commercial opportunity but as a system based on principles. Health, ecology, fairness and care, remain core to the mission of the organic sector and it is through these principles that it retains marketplace confidence.

New approaches like regenerative farming seek to mirror some of these aims and consequently, the organic movement needs to reposition itself in this new dynamic environment. In doing so, we must not lose sight of the fact that organic maintains a distinct point of difference that cannot be replicated.

For too long, many have perceived organic as ‘elitist’ and ‘niche’. In reality, organic represents a fundamental mindset change around food production. As such, it represents a real opportunity to deliver multiple positive outcomes.

To achieve this, OF&G is working to build greater resilience through close collaboration across our innovative networks. Alongside the English Organic Forum, constructive policy discussions with Defra continue, to ensure organic receives recognition within the new administration.

OF&G believes the organic movement must ‘up its game’ through better communication to consumers, policy makers and influencers. It is time to galvanise the sector, to secure the long-term consistent market growth necessary to deliver the critical mass that will underwrite the sector’s position and support the environment and rural economies.

Many conference attendees agreed that this must be a priority without undermining the benefits that regenerative farmers and others deliver.

Far from the sector being divided, I believe we are more unified than ever. Healthy debate is the only way to secure consensus within the wider organic community. It undoubtedly helps focus minds and the consequent energy and purpose is refreshing.  The organic movement is committed to driving growth. The question is not if, but how!

Roger Kerr, Chief Executive, Organic Farmers & Growers CIC, Shropshire

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This letter was first published in the Farmers Guardian.

Further reading:
Organic manifesto calls for ambitious government policy overhaul

OF&G white paper highlights benefits of 10% organic English farmed area