It pays to go organic

There will be increased help for farmers and growers to convert, and maintenance payments for those who have already under gone organic under Defra's new, 'modified' Organic Farming Scheme announced today. Payments to top fruit growers will also be increased.

Announcing the changes at Sheepdrove organic farm in Lambourn, Hungerford, Minister for the Environment and Agri-environment, Michael Meacher said:

"Organic farming is a key part of our Sustainable Food and Farming Strategy. Environmentally sound and sustainable farming techniques can deliver very real benefits for bio-diversity and for the environment, as well as produce products for which there is considerable market interest.

"I am determined that we raise the proportion of organic produce which is grown in the UK and these payments will help English farmers and growers meet the increasing demand for home grown, organic food. The opportunity to join this expanding sector is too good to ignore."

The modified Organic Farming Scheme:

- Increases the amount paid to convert over 5 years to £450 per hectare for Arable Area Payment Scheme eligible land and land in permanent crops; £349 per hectare for other improved land; £50 per hectare for unimproved land.

- Introduces new 5 year agreements for existing organic farmers of: £150 per hectare for top fruit orchards and Arable Area Payment

Scheme eligible land and land in permanent crops; #115 per hectare for other improved; #25 per hectare for unimproved land to encourage the continued management of land in an environmentally beneficial way.

- Increased conversion aid for top fruit orchards (including apples (others than cider apples) pears, cherries and plums) from £450 to £1860 over five years.

- Provides for an optional lump sum payment of #600 to be paid during conversion to help fund the cost of obtaining advice or training in relation to organic farming.

- Has a simplified application process to make it easier for farmers to comply.