Beyond Chemical Farming: Embracing Organic for a Secure Future

At Rushmere Farm on the South Downs in Hampshire, organic farmer George Crossley explains to Xan Phillips how recent Middle East instability and earlier Ukraine-related shocks have exposed how vulnerable “chemical” farming is to diesel and fertiliser price spikes and shortages. Crossley argues organic systems can be more stable and profitable despite lower yields, because they avoid costly inputs, reduce passes with sprayers and spreaders, and rely on soil-building rotations and ecosystems rather than pesticides. He describes practical steps for conversion (a two-year process), including sowing herbal leys to rebuild fertility and planting legumes like spring peas that fix their own nitrogen. In the fields he shows wildflower “beetle banks” to support predatory insects, plus examples where rooks removed weed tufts and ladybirds eliminated aphids. Crossley says expanding organic or semi-organic farming would reduce import reliance, protect soil and water, and strengthen UK food security if farmers stop planting due to high input costs. Discover more about Rushmere farm here https://rushmerefarm.com/