Celebrating 40 years of organic research

"We work closely and in cooperation with farmers, exploring what the future of agriculture could look like together. At the ORC we are committed in sharing research results and processes through our knowledge exchange team, exploring new tools to help facilitate two-way communication between farmers and industry members."

"I am proud to be the Patron of the Organic Research Centre.  My uncle, David Astor founded the organisation to respond to farming’s unsustainable dependence on fossil fuels and research the development of practical, organic farming alternatives.  Over the years since then the team has worked with pioneering organic farmers to advance this goal through an invaluable programme of collaborative research.  I am delighted that the organisation is still going from strength to strength – especially at this pivotal time for the agriculture sector."

"With its 3,000 farmers managing 300,000 ha of land across England, the organic sector has been an important testing ground for farm practices that have a proven ability to deliver public goods. These practices can therefore contribute significantly to the objectives of Environmental Land Management. This and related schemes should support future growth of organic farming but also the much wider adoption of these tried-and-tested agroecological approaches."

"We are at a pivotal time for change within the agriculture sector.  The Government’s introduction of the Environmental Land Management scheme will reward farmers for maintaining and restoring the natural environment, ensuring livestock health and welfare, and reducing carbon emissions - something that the ORC has been researching and championing for the past four decades.  We have a vital role to play in the coming years of transition to ensure that investment in research, knowledge exchange and policy changes really do support best practices."