Scotland’s organic opportunity: making connections, building the future
With a surge in Scottish farmers and growers entering organic conversion, backed by Scottish Government support, now is the time to plan for the future of organic in Scotland.
Join us for a dynamic event bringing together new and established organic businesses, farmers, supply chain stakeholders, and policy voices to shape the next chapter for Scottish organic.
The event will be held at the Bowhouse at Balcaskie Estate, an organic modern working estate at the heart of the East Neuk of Fife.
The Scottish Organic Gathering will offer:
- Engaging discussion on the opportunities to scale organic in Scotland
- The latest updates on Scottish policy
- Connecting people across the supply-chain
- A farm tour showcasing organic in action
- Enjoy a locally-sourced organic lunch
Whether you're new to organic, a seasoned grower, a processor, buyer or advisor — this is your chance to be part of a growing movement and help scale organic in Scotland.
Agenda at a glance
10am Welcome and refreshments
10.30am Opening keynote
11am Panel: Organic at scale: practical paths to profit and resilience
11.40am Panel: Bringing organic to the table: scaling up in catering and foodservice
12pm Organic lunch
1.45pm Panel: What’s driving organic success in Scotland?
3pm Optional sessions including: Organic farm tour; Andrew Whitley presents 'The People’s Loaf'; or Balcaskie butchery demonstration
3pm Networking drinks
4pm Event closes
11am - Organic at scale: practical paths to profit and resilience
Explore practical solutions for scaling up organic farming in Scotland, with a focus on tackling supply chain challenges and unlocking new opportunities. As demand for organic food continues to grow, how can farmers make the most of the market while adapting to current pressures and preparing for change? Insights from supply chain experts, ABP UK.
Panellists:
Adrian Steel, Organic Sector Development Advisor, Soil Association
David Erskine, ABP UK
Adam Forrest, Co-op Development Manager, SAOS
Sarah Morbey, Scottish Producer Board
Paul Coats, Scottish Producer Board
11.40am - Bringing organic to the table: scaling up in catering and foodservice
Is organic the golden carrot for Scottish caterers? From schools and hospitals to restaurants and tourist attractions, there’s growing appetite for healthier, local and more sustainable choices. This panel will explore the opportunities to getting more organic food onto menus at scale.
Panellists:
Sarah Gowanlock, Partnerships Manager, Food for Life Scotland
Stuart Aitken, Head of Food Scotland, Baxter Storey
Ylva Haglund, Head of Sustainability & Communications, Scottish Wholesale Association
Sean Ruffell, Managing Director, Organic North
Andrew Kennedy, Head of Facilities and Property Management, East Ayrshire Council
1.45pm - What’s driving organic success in Scotland?
2025 was the sixth consecutive year of growth in organic Scottish farmland, with a 13% increase, compared to England’s 1%. Scottish organic grocery sales are booming, significantly outperforming non-organic. This panel will explore the consumer trends, policy interventions and marketing techniques behind the growing market.
Panellists:
David McKay, Soil Association Scotland – The latest Scot Gov data on Scotland’s Produce
Alexandra Sadler, Edinburgh University – Marketing interventions that positively impact organic sales
Alison Muirhead, Commercial Manager, Soil Association Certification – Organic Market overview
Michael Bond, Sales manager, Soil Association Exchange
Organic conversion farm tours
Join tours of the farm with Sam Parsons, Balcaskie Estate's farm manager, with a focus on the organic conversion process, which the estate began in 2016.
The estate’s safari-trailer will transport you around the estate to visit different points of interest, including how they’re improving soil health, mob grazing, native wildlife conservation and the reintroduction of heritage breed livestock.
About the venue
Our venue is The Bowhouse at Balcaskie Estate which houses local producers and hosts a bustling monthly market.
Located on the A917 between Elie and St Monans, there is ample parking on site and a bus stop in nearby St Monans.
