The 2023 funding application window for Scotland’s Agri–Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) opens on Monday 30th January.
AECS provides funding for farmersand land managers in Scotland to make environmental improvements and willsupport the Scottish government’s ambition of doubling the amount of land under organic management. The scheme provides a chance for farmers, crofters and land managers in Scotlandto convert to and manage their farms to organic standards.
Scottish Ministers have also agreed to deliver future rounds of the fund up to and including 2024, to provide ongoing certainty.
The land area caps for conversion and maintenancewill be removed for 2023 applicants. Those with existing contracts with land areas that exceed the caps (on their contract Schedule of Works) will have the caps lifted in line with new applicants from the 2024 management year.
Financial benefits of organic farming
The Scottish Government has made some strong commitments to doubling the amount of organic agricultural land in Scotland by 2026, and with financial support available for organic conversion and maintenance, there are financial opportunities for farmers to certify and convert to organic.
AECS funding is a five-year agreement and includes increased payments for the first twoyears, providing a financial boost for farmers through their conversion period.
Soil Association Certification's Scottish licensees reported a massive 36.5% increase in sales in 2021.
Organic offers a valuable model for building future farm resilience. Hear from Sam Parsons at Balcaskie estate about his experience of converting his farm:
The Soil Association 2021,‘Does it stack up?’ reportfound that net farm income has continued to increase for organic cropping farms, resulting in a significantly higher figure when compared to non-organic.
Rates on offer for organic conversion and maintenance
AECS agreements are over 5 years and conversion payments will normally be paid for up to 2 years, except for permanent crops such as fruit trees where a 3-year conversion period applies. Subsequent years are paid at the management rate. 5-year maintenance agreements are also available for farmers who have already completed organic conversion and will be paid at the maintenance rate for the full 5 years.
Organic Conversion and Management Rates coming soon.
2023 key dates
The application window opens onMonday 30 January 2023
Application deadline: Wednesday 7 June 2023
How to apply
Please note the AECS pages are currently being updated, where required and will be available in time for the relevant opening dates noted above. A list of the AECS web pages with changes for the 2023 round will be available at that time and applicants should acquaint themselves with the latest guidance before preparing/ submitting an application.
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 steps you can take to prepare your farm for organic conversion and the application process and fees.
We have a dedicated Scottish Certification Officer based in the Edinburgh office. Receive technical support from a dedicated team who are experts in organic, and your sector.
Contact the Scottish Certification team
