Scottish farmers converting to organic eligible for financial support

Soil Association Scotland can certify organic farmers, and are welcoming applications with a new support package
Soil Association Scotland can certify organic farmers, and are welcoming applications with a new support package

Scottish farmers converting to organic farming may be eligible for financial support from 31st of March, the Scottish government has said.

Soil Association Scotland can certify organic farmers, and are currently welcoming applications with a new support package for farmers interested in converting to organic and competitive certification fees.

"It is a great time to consider organic," said David Michie, head of agricultural development at Soil Association Scotland.

"The organic market is growing, the Organic Trade Board are just about to launch a big media campaign that will further boost sales and the Scottish government has recognised the importance of organic agriculture with its support for the Organic Action Plan Organic Ambitions.

"Our team in Scotland is at the end of the phone, and we can help with supporting documentation required for funding applications.

The organic market remains in sustained growth.

Last year, according to figures released by the Scottish government, £57.8 million was spent on organic food and drink in Scotland (0.6% of total grocery spend – to September 2016), this was up 11.7% from the previous year (according to figures from Kantar Worldpanel).

Support for organic farming includes two Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) options: Organic Farming Conversion and Organic Farming Maintenance.

Soil Association Certification is the leading organic certifier in the UK, certifying over 70% of the market.