A turning point for Organic in Scotland - join us for the Scottish Organic Gathering

Scotland’s organic sector is at a turning point.

Policy momentum is building north of the border and is unique in the UK, creating a fresh opportunity for businesses, farmers, and policymakers to shape the future together. 

On 20 November 2025, Soil Association Scotland and Soil Association Certification, will host the inaugural Scottish Organic Gathering at Balcaskie Estate in Fife, bringing the country’s growing organic community together in this pivotal moment. 

  

Scotland leading the way in organic farming 

The UK organic sector is thriving. Sales grew 8.8% in value and 4.4% in units in the year to June 2025, outpacing non-organic and proving consumer appetite is only getting stronger. 

In Scotland, organic still makes up less than 1% of the market, but farming tells a different story. Whilst organic land across the UK is stalled at 3%, in Scotland organic land area has grown for six years in a row, rising to 13% in 2024 to 131,500 hectares (including land in conversion to organic). Crops and livestock are following suit, with organic oats, wheat, dairy, and sheep numbers all climbing steadily. 

This progress is powered by clear political backing. The forthcoming Scottish Organic Action Plan includes a commitment to double the area of land farmed organically by 2026, building on years of consistent government support. The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) has removed key barriers for farmers and continues to provide crucial support to farmers producing food in nature-friendly ways. 

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands said: “The significant increase in organic land managed under the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) is a testament to Scotland's commitment to sustainable farming and environmental stewardship. As at the end of 2024, we’ve seen over 49,000 additional hectares of converted and maintained organic land under AECS management, representing a remarkable 69% increase since 2021.   

“This progress brings us closer to meeting our ambitious Programme for Government target of seeking to double the area of land used for organic farming by 2026. Scotland’s farmers and land managers are playing a vital role in enhancing biodiversity, tackling the climate crisis, and building a sustainable future for our rural communities and islands.”   

David McKay, Co-Director of Soil Association Scotland and Head of Policy in Scotland agrees, "The recent growth in organic land area has been driven by Scottish Government policy - with consistent support for conversion and maintenance through the Agri Environment Climate Scheme, and the removal of the area caps on conversion.  This has been backed up by a clear political commitment to doubling the organic land area, and delivery of a new Organic Action Plan.  We know from international experience that action plans can be effective in helping to develop markets for organic produce."  

With such clear support for organic from the Scottish government, the time is now to get more Scottish grown, organic products onto retailer’s shelves and UK dinner plates and find new routes for organic produce. 

  

The Scottish Organic Gathering: what can you expect? 

The Scottish Organic Gathering will look at ways to bring organic to the fore of public procurement and into shoppers’ baskets. The programme will explore: 

• Insights from Stuart Aitken at BaxterStorey on introducing more organic food into public sector kitchens 

• Edinburgh University’s Alexandra Sadler on effective positioning strategies for organic products 

• Workshops led by organic farmer and Soil Association advisor Adrian Steele on making the whole farm system profitable.

   

Attendees can also tour Balcaskie Estate - currently in conversion to organic production, you’ll hear key learnings and takeaways from the Balcaskie team, whilst seeing the conversion process in action. Plus, there’ll be a locally sourced organic lunch, showcasing Scotland’s potential to deliver quality, sustainable food at scale. 

The gathering is a rare opportunity to connect across the supply chain and help shape the direction of Scotland’s organic future. Register for your free ticket today.