Arguing over organic is fruitless, says top UK scientist

Farmers must stop squabbling over whether organic or conventional agriculture is most environmentally friendly, a leading scientist has warned.

Ian Crute said it was vital to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all types of agriculture. “The notion that this is a case of organic farming good, conventional farming bad, doesn’t really get us anywhere,” he said.

The former director of Rothamsted Research made the comments as he prepared to take on a new role as the first chief scientist at the Agricultural and Horticultural Development board.