An independent report by the University of Reading has found that organic farming has “much to offer” and “is, perhaps, mainstream agriculture in waiting”.
Among key findings in the report, funded by the Soil Association and an independent trust, are that organic production cuts greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution. It also found that organic fruit and vegetable yields compare favourably with conventional agriculture and that organic farming could, “with some adjustment”, supply similar volumes as at present, or even increase output if necessary.
Peter Melchett, Soil Association policy director, has warmly welcomed the findings: “Organic farming does not have all the answers to the challenges of climate change and diet-related ill health, and there is still a lot of work to do to improve systems, but the report, England and Wales under organic agriculture: How much food could be produced? shows the positive impact that organic farming could have.
“In the face of the rising prices and scarcity of key fossil fuel and mineral inputs, and the need to cut emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, food and farming systems will have to go through revolutionary changes... This independent report shows that organic farming could provide us with a far healthier and more climate-friendly diet.”
The research was commissioned by the Soil Association with funds from the HCD Memorial Fund.
