New Organic Aid Scheme payments

Soil Association Scotland has welcomed the new Organic Aid Scheme payments announced by Ross Finnie MSP, Minister for Environment and Rural Development.

Both conversion and maintenance rates have been announced following lengthy negotiations and final approval by the European Commission in Brussels.

Carey Coombs, Soil Association Scotland's policy manager said: "We're delighted with the outcome of these discussions and the positive new rates. The process of negotiation over the new Organic Aid Scheme payments was open and allowed a full range of opinions to be heard.

"A lot of hard work was done to achieve favourable payment rates, both for those considering conversion to organic farming and for those who are already farming in this way. The new rates show increased support for organic farming and recognise the important part it plays in creating sustainable food systems for Scotland, boosting the rural economy and delivering fresh local produce to Scotland's local communities.

"It is becoming more and more widely accepted that organic farming has a vital role to play in the creation of sustainable farming systems, especially in relation to energy efficiency and climate change. Studies have shown that organic farming can contribute positively to the control of greenhouse gas emissions, partly as it avoids the carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions associated with artificial fertiliser manufacture and use."