Growth in the organic food sector could be curtailed by the government closing SFI applications, according to a recent poll.

Growers attending a webinar which explored the business case for organic farming, polled that the government closing SFI applications would impact their confidence in switching systems.

Despite the majority of attendees partaking in the session because they aren’t currently organic but are interested in moving over, most (90%) then shared that the latest goalpost change would have a significant bearing on whether that comes to fruition.

Organic sector development advisor, Adrian Steele, said the expanded SFI release had included options aimed at growers operating within organic-based systems. “So we have to let the fog lift and for Defra to come through the other side.

“What we do know is, stunting the UK organic sector in this way will have to be offset by increased imports, which doesn’t help Defra to achieve its wider environmental targets.”

For context, the amount of UK farmland in conversion to organic with Soil Association Certification has doubled in the past year, which the organisation believes is in response to SFI, market supply opportunities and increased consumer demand.

Adrian said the Soil Association is now working closely with Defra in hope of finding a way forward. “It’s all very disappointing; it’s also why we’re collating evidence to present to Defra including farm case studies, which we welcome further submissions,” he added.


Organic market report 2025

A report conducted by Soil Association Certification reveals the sector has ‘bounced back’ from the cost-of-living crisis with growth exceeding non-organic, rising 7.3%, which equates to £3.7Bn.

Sales increased across every key channel during 2024, with independent retail, non-food and hospitality enjoying particularly strong performances, said Soil Association Certification’s Sophie Kirk.

She added that the organic home baking category experienced £54M sales last year, equating to an 11.6% growth in volume. “As for organic cereals and morning goods, that achieved £30M of sales and 11.3% volume growth, whereas organic bakery saw a 9.5% volume increase.”

As for organic farming specifically, the report highlights that the amount of UK organic farmland is falling behind other nations, despite a recent rise in farms converting their management approaches. The figure has remained largely static in England, representing 3% of the country’s farmed area (data collected 2023).