Converting to Organic Farming

Organisation: 
DEFRA
Date: 
November 2015
Copyright: 
Creative Commons Licence
Evidence: 
Applied research
Related theme: 
Organic farming
Regulations, standards & policy
Related links: 
Organic Principles
Organic farming

View the website
Resource explained: 

This page of the gov.uk site provides a useful introduction to organic conversion from Defra. The page includes information about: the key features of the organic market, key requirements towards certification as an organic farmer, how organic farming is different to non-organic farming, planning and funding for conversion, registering with an organic control body, useful case studies and details of further information sources.

Findings & recommendations: 
  • The word organic is a legal term.
  • EU organic food production is regulated by an inspection, certification and labelling scheme. Is unlawful to use the term 'organic' if you have not been inspected and certified by an organic control body.
  • Converting to organic requires a fundamental change to farming, production and processing practices. It can take up to three years to be certified as an organic producer.
  • The main components of an organic farming system are: avoiding artificial fertilisers and pesticides, using crop rotations and other forms of husbandry to maintain soil fertility, controlling weeds, pests and diseases using appropriate husbandry techniques and where necessary approved materials to control pests and disease.
  • Find more detailed information on the conversion process by visiting the Defra site.

More about the organisation

DEFRA

partner Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding the natural environment, supporting the UK’s world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Defra’s broad remit means the department plays a major role in people’s day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.

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