Scottish farms of all shapes and sizes can now apply for government cash to convert to organic as new funding options opened to farmers and crofters today (Monday 30 January).

The window for applications to the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) is now open, as the Scottish Government pushes to double organic land by 2026.

A total of 680 businesses will share more than £14million through AECS this year, with the funding rewarding farmers for protecting the environment including support for organic farming.

This helps farmers through the two-year conversion process, where land must be farmed to organic standards, but goods cannot be sold as organic.

Support for maintaining organic systems is also available after the conversion period, in recognition of the environmental benefits they deliver.

Soil Association Scotland Head of Policy, David McKay, said: "With more wildlife and soil carbon on organic farms, it is great to see the Scottish government backing and investing in this nature-friendly way of farming.

"With the government looking to double organic farmland and concern for climate breakdown and wildlife declines growing, this is an excellent time for farmers and crofters to consider this change.

"The adjustments to the scheme this year make it a good option for holdings of all sizes to apply, with some of the previous area-based barriers to funding now lifted.

"Challenges to the entire farming sector remain, but it seems certain that both government and consumer support for farming in harmony with nature will continue to increase, and farmers should have confidence in switching to organic."

Alongside Scottish Environment LINK, Soil Association Scotland is calling for the budget for environmental farming schemes, including organic farming support, to increase in future years so that farmers and crofters can help the government to meet its climate and nature commitments.

What's new with AECS?

There was previously an area cap which meant that larger holdings would not be eligible for organic conversion or maintenance payments on additional hectares above 1,000ha.

That rule has been suspended for this round, which means there is no upper limit barrier for both new applicants and existing contract holders with land in excess of the previous cap.

This change reflects one of the asks of the Scottish Organic Stakeholders Group report, Pointing the way towards an Organic Action Plan for Scotland, which was published last year. The intention is to encourage both large and small holdings to apply.

There is also support available for small-scale organic growers and market gardeners who are below the 3ha minimum threshold for basic payments. Payments of £500 are available for those businesses registered with the Scottish Government's Rural Payments Division (RPID), which can help cover the annual cost of certification.

Funding within AECS for slurry storage has also changed, while some options are not available this funding round including pond creation and treatment of bracken.

Find out more

Visit Soil Association Certification's website and get in touch for more information about the financial support available and how to apply.

The deadline for applications to AECS is Wednesday 7 June 2023.