Agricultural statistics for 2018 published by the UK Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defra) show a mixed picture of the country's organic sector.

Last year, the total area of ​​land used for organic farming decreased by 8.4 percent compared to 2017.

According to the Ministry, this decrease was caused by a decrease in the area of ​​land with low production value, for example, temporary pastures, forest tracts, etc. Since 2008, when the area of ​​arable land organically reached a peak, the area of ​​arable land decreased by 36%.

Organic production in the country takes place on completely transformed land. Before a site can be considered fully organic, it must go through a conversion process. The inversion area, expressed as a percentage of the total organic area, may indicate potential growth in the organic sector.

This proportion showed a slight increase in 2018, the fourth consecutive increase since 2014. Defra statistics also show that there are 3,544 organic producers in the UK, up 2 percent from 2017.

Organic farmers and producers (OF&G), which certify half of all organic land in the UK, said the increase in the number of producers is driven by new entrants.

Roger Kerr, OF&G Executive Director, said: “Organic farming is a viable option for those who can make the system work. For example, taking into account both yield and price, now it is possible to achieve 90% of traditional organic grain production with significantly lower variable costs and working capital. ”