Scottish Government has yesterday (Thursday 20 August) revealed farmland data for 2025 that shows it is on track to meet its target of doubling organic farmland, set in 2021.

The total organic land area has risen to 168,200 hectares, a 28% increase compared with 2024, and a 62% increase compared with 2021.

This includes a 43% increase in fully certified land growing vegetables, which Soil Association Scotland says is vital when overall acreage remains low and supplies of imported vegetables are increasingly being impacted by climate change.

Land in conversion to organic has had a huge surge at both ends of the country. It takes two years for farms to achieve organic status, but during that conversion period farmers must meet all organic standards.

In the Highlands and Islands, land in conversion has more than tripled with a 294% increase, going from 8,296ha in 2024 to 32,721ha in 2035. And Southern Scotland is another stand-out area with a 452% increase, jumping from 1,761ha in 2024 to 9,720ha in 2025.

Soil Association Co-Director David McKay said: "By boosting production of organic food, Scotland is paving the way for sustainable food security. It's particularly encouraging to see nature-friendly vegetable production on the rise – it is vital this trend continues when the countries we rely on for healthy produce are increasingly being impacted by climate change.

"Consumer demand for organic has been rising for well over a decade but across the UK that demand has been largely met by imports. It's great to see Scotland leading the way in reversing this trend, with investment in organic helping Scottish Government to meet its objectives around climate, nature, and high-quality food production."

As well as revealing a surge in organic farming, the new data also highlights the need for government support and investment, Soil Association Scotland says.

The stats show regional splits and a decrease in in-conversion cereal production alongside an increase in land for rough grazing and pasture.

The Scottish Organic Action Plan, launched by government in January, is intended to catalyse the production growth for the benefit of the Scottish economy.

David added: "A boost in organic production must be met by action to ensure supply chains can get products to consumers. In particular, there is an insufficient provision of organic processors and abattoirs for farmers in the Highlands and Islands, where we have seen a boost in land in conversion. 

"This underlines the importance of continued investment in the Scottish Organic Action Plan which is looking to tackle the complexities of organic meat supply chains. We need to see a continued commitment to a cross-sector approach to developing markets and tackling supply chain issues for Scottish organic produce."