It is the “best time in decades” for farmers in Scotland to adopt nature-friendly farming by applying for funding to convert their farmland to organic, according to Soil Association Scotland.

The window for the Agri Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) is opening on Monday 23 February, just weeks after the UK’s first nationally funded Scottish Organic Action Plan was launched by Scotland Food and Drink.

The plan was launched to help meet the Scottish Government’s goals to boost organic farmland, which is managed to high environmental and animal welfare standards including no harmful pesticides.

Soil Association Scotland Co-Director David McKay said: “In the past few years we have seen a rise in farmers seeking organic certification.

“This is tied to multiple reasons, from consistent policy support for conversion, high level political targets for growing organic land, to consumers increasingly becoming aware of the benefits of organic products.

“Recent statistics reveal that in Scotland, while the market share is still small, organic food and drink has grown by 20.6% in five years. We believe right now is the best time in decades for farmers in Scotland to grab onto a market that is only growing.”

The annual opportunity closes on Monday 22 June for combined applications and on Friday 31 July for organic farmers. It is set to contribute to the Scottish Government’s goal of doubling organic farmland to more than 200,000 hectares this year.

In addition to AECS, organic farmers and crofters will automatically be eligible for government support via the Basic Payment Scheme. Organic systems tick the animal health and welfare and integrated pest management areas from the whole-farm plan, due to requirements in organic for farmers to deliver high animal welfare and use natural solutions over pesticides.

* Why farmers should take advantage of the scheme *

Technical Director of Pasture for Life, Nikki Yoxall, who also manages the Rottal Estate, a livestock farm in the Angus Glens in partnership with her husband James and Estate owner Dee Ward, shares the benefits of organic farming.

Nikki said: “Getting certified in September 2025 was a huge milestone for us. For farmers considering the move, AECS provides financial support that makes the shift easier. The environmental returns are immediate, and the scheme helps you manage the practical business challenges of converting."

“The curlew, a red listed bird which has been in decline for decades, is one we can now see in the spring, and this is a reminder of why we apply an organic approach.

"The payment has been an important buffer to support the broader business transformation. For example, having to buy organic products without always having an organic supply chain in Scotland to offset that cost can be challenging.”

Sam Parsons, farm manager at Balcaskie Estate in Scotland, converted the farm to organic in 2016 and said the transition to organic had proved a success.

Sam said: "Economically, we are performing even better than our conventional system. We’re doing that whilst increasing employment, improving soil quality and biodiversity, and over time we expect profitability to increase further.

“Organic farming requires more planning, but you can also afford to take more gambles as there is lower risk and more variable outcomes in terms of yield.”

At an event organised in partnership with Soil Association Scotland and Soil Association Certification in November 2025, Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs promised £200,000 for the roll out of the Organic Action Plan which will come into effect next week.

Soil Association Scotland and Soil Association Certification will be supporting the Organic Action Plan with a series of activities to help develop new markets to improve the accessibility of organic.

This will include working with retailers and public settings to increase the range of Scottish organic food products available in stores, schools and hospitals across the UK.

Work will also involve the development of a “basket” of commonly bought food products that are grown in Scotland but have limited or no local or organic supply chains into the wholesale market, with a view to breaking down those barriers.