Grants for Converting to Organic - England

The application window for CSS Organic is currently closed. 

The information below is from the previous application window and is published here for reference only. To stay informed of upcoming application opportunities, sign up for our monthly Organic Farming Newsletter for the latest news, views and updates from across the farming world.

The Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) provides funding for farmers and land managers in England to make environmental improvements.

This includes financial support for farmers to convert to, and manage their farms to organic standards.

The new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) is expected to start in 2024, however, the Government has promised that there will be flexibility to allow farmers entering Countryside Stewardship to transfer to ELMS if they wish so this shouldn’t be a deterrent for applying for funding now.

The financial benefits of organic farming

The UK organic market has now entered its tenth consecutive year of growth. And with Countryside Stewardship Scheme funding available for organic production, there are economic opportunities for farmers to certify and convert to organic.

CSS organic conversion funding includes increased payments for the first 2 years of the agreement, providing a financial boost for farmers through their conversion period.

The Soil Association Organic Farm Income Report shows that net farm income is often higher on organic farms than non-organic farms due to lower costs of production and higher environmental support payments.

Rates on offer for organic conversion and maintenance

5-year agreements are available for organic conversion and maintenance.

For organic conversion agreements, higher conversion payments will be paid for up to 2 years for most crops, with subsequent years paid at the management rate.

Maintenance agreements are also available for farmers who have already manage organic land and will be paid at the maintenance rate for the full 5 years.

*Other CSS options and items can be included in the agreement if they are compatible with organic status.

How to apply:

1. You must apply for the Countryside Stewardship funding directly with the Rural Payments Agency.
2. You must also register with an organic certification body such as Soil Association Certification.

You can register with an organic certification body either before or after applying for Countryside Stewardship funding.

And you will need to complete different steps in each case.

• Register before applying for Countryside Stewardship funding: You must complete a conversion plan, which must be approved and signed off by an organic certification body like Soil Association Certification. We can help - Get in touch with our expert farming team to discuss how we can support you. 
• Register after applying for Countryside Stewardship funding: If you want to apply for funding via the Rural Payments Agency before having had a Conversion Plan approved by a certification body, you must complete a Viability Plan, which must be submitted to the Rural Payments Agency along with your funding application. If you use a Viability Plan you must get an approved and signed-off Conversion Plan from your organic certification body and have started conversion before the agreement start date of 1^st Jan 2022

If you choose to certify with Soil Association Certification, we offer discounted conversion fees to support you through your transition period. Find out more about the application process and fees.

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