A large number of research projects and reviews have been conducted on this topic. The aim of this part of the study is not to undertake another comprehensive review, but to summarise the main outcomes with a focus on primary land use types (arable, grassland, horticulture etc.) and geographical conditions across the EU. It identifies the scope, strengths, and weaknesses of the evidence base where published literature is available. The range of biodiversity impacts, from soil organisms to plants, birds, habitats and landscapes are considered. Recent reviews (Lampkin et al., 2015; Dimambro et al., 2018; Sanders and Hess, 2019) provides a starting point for this review, updated with any significant new evidence from the last two years.

The aim of this part of the study is to illustrate why it is that organic farming delivers the biodiversity impacts recorded, limitations on this potential, and how organically farmed land could increase biodiversity outcomes (including how any increase in the extent of organic area might best benefit biodiversity). This will separate actions carried out by all organic farmers – e.g., restricted use of fertilisers, pesticides and veterinary inputs and enhanced crop diversity through rotations and use of legumes – from additional activities that can be undertaken by individual organic farmers, building on their baseline organic status – for example, the creation and management of habitats to encourage biological pest control. Land sharing, with biodiversity enhancement and agricultural management designed to be mutually beneficial and synergistic (i.e., the sum of the whole is greater than the sum of the parts), is a key theme.