This report, published in 2009, was commissioned by Defra and produced by researchers at the University of Exeter Centre for Rural Policy research. The purpose of this study was to take a fresh look at the nature of organic production, consumption and marketing in England and Wales in order to better assess its current and likely contribution to rural development and its ability to meet consumer expectations. Based on a mixed methodological approach the study consulted with 2,300 individuals to reveal a complex and multi-dimensional sector with a highly committed consumer base.

In 2009, the Technology Strategy Board announced plans to establish a Sustainable Agriculture and Food Innovation Platform to bring together government, business and researchers to focus on the development and adoption of new technologies to increase sustainable food productivity, while decreasing environmental impact.

The first annual report to Parliament by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), published on the 12 October, concludes that a step change is required in the pace of UK emissions reduction to meet carbon budgets, and that in some areas, new policy approaches will be required to deliver the Government's Low Carbon Transition Plan. The report's key findings are that: In the 5 years 2003-2007, emissions reductions averaged 0.5% per annum: going forward, reductions of 2-3%pa will be required to meet the carbon budgets. A step change in the pace of reduction is needed.