The Scottish government is offering financial support for those converting to organic farming. Scottish farmers can apply for funding up until 31st March. Soil Association Scotland can certify organic farmers, and are welcoming applications with a new support package for farmers interested in converting to organic and competitive certification fees.
 
David Michie, Head of Agricultural Development at Soil Association Scotland said, “It is a great time to consider organic. 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.
 
The Soil Association Certification website offers conversion guides and a farming application pack for farmers looking for more information.
 
Soil Association Certification is the leading organic certifier in the UK, certifying over 70% of the market. The Soil Association Certification business support package includes:
 

• Practical and efficient support from a personal Certification Officer
• Solutions to improve efficiency and keep costs down such as combined inspections
• Access to unrivalled practical knowledge from dedicated organic inspectors, certification team and farm innovation programmes
• Use of the UK’s most widely recognised organic symbol – used on over 70% of the organic products in the UK
• Supply chain support and FREE membership to supplier scheme, securing future markets
• Free marketing support and the opportunity to be part of national campaigns such as Organic September and the Christmas Collective

 
More information is available here. Farmers with questions about converting to organic can contact Edinburgh-based organic Certification Officer Abigail Catt (T: 0131 633 1011) or Agricultural Development Manager Lyn White (M: 07899 791 748).