Summary
This Nature meta-analysis by Seufert et al. synthesises data from 316 studies to assess the magnitude of yield differences between organic and conventional farming systems. It finds that, under best management conditions and for certain crops and regions, the yield gap narrows substantially, but that on average organic production remains considerably less productive per unit area. The paper highlights that the scale of the yield gap is highly context-dependent, varying with crop species, local conditions, and the comparator conventional system used.
UK applicability
The global scope of the meta-analysis means findings are broadly indicative rather than UK-specific, but the conclusions are highly relevant to UK agricultural policy debates around the feasibility of scaling organic production whilst maintaining food security. UK arable and horticultural contexts would likely fall within the range of yield gaps reported, particularly for cereals and vegetables.
Key measures
Yield ratio (organic:conventional); yield gap (%) by crop type, region, and management system
Outcomes reported
The study quantified the yield difference between organic and conventional farming across multiple crop types and regions, finding that organic yields are on average approximately 25% lower than conventional yields, though the gap varies considerably depending on crop type, growing conditions, and management practices.
Topic tags
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