Organic management and conversion funding in Scotland

The Scottish funding window for organic farm maintenance is open from 23 February 2026 to 31 July 2026. It's part of Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS).

If you are applying for organic conversion and maintenance as part of a single application with Agri-environment management, it must be submitted by 20 June 2026 deadline.

AECS provides funding for farmers and land managers in Scotland to make environmental improvements and will support 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 Scotland to convert to and manage their farms to organic standards. 

Organic conversion and maintenance 

There is no upper limit for land in organic conversion or maintenance but you must be able to demonstrate that the land is used for agricultural purposes.

Applications seeking to convert or maintain large areas of naturally kept moorland or rough grazings may be subject to a value for money assessment by the National Project Assessment Committee (NPAC). That assessment will consider the agricultural output proposed in conversion or maintenance against the 5-year cost of the application. Contact our team for more information.

Financial benefits of organic farming 

The Scottish Government has made strong commitments to scaling up organic production and demand in Scotland, with the launch of the UK’s first fully funded Organic Action Plan, and following six consecutive years of growth in organically managed land in the country.

With financial support available for organic conversion and maintenance, there are financial opportunities for farmers to certify and convert to organic. 

AECS conversion funding is a five-year agreement and includes increased payments for the first two years, providing a financial boost for farmers through their conversion period.

Rates on offer for organic conversion and maintenance 

AECS conversion agreements are over five years and conversion payments will normally be paid for up to two years. The exception is for permanent crops, such as fruit trees, where a three-year conversion period applies. Subsequent years are paid at the management rate. 

Five-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 five years. 

Conversion payments rates per hectare

Arable

• years 1 and 2: £280

• years 3 to 5: £65

Improved grassland

• years 1 to 2: £140

• years 3 to 5: £55

Unimproved grassland/rough grazing

• years 1 and 2: £12.50

• years 3 to 5: £8.50

Fruit and veg

• years 1 and 2: £400

• years 3 to 5: £200

Maintenance payments rates per hectare

Maintenance payments provide support to farmers or groups of farmers to use organic farming methods and to encourage the expansion of organic production in Scotland to deliver environmental benefits.

Arable

• years 1 and 5: £65

Improved grassland

• years 1 to 5: £55

Unimproved grassland/rough grazing

• years 1 and 5: £8.50

Fruit and veg

• years 1 and 5: £200

2026 key dates

The Scottish funding window for organic conversion and organic farm maintenance is open from 23 February to 31 July 2026.

If you are applying for organic conversion and maintenance as part of a single application with Agri-environment management it must be submitted by 20 June 2026.

How to apply

When applying for AECS funding for organic conversion, there are four key steps you will need to follow:

1. you must apply for AECS funding directly with Scottish Government Rural Payments and Services by the application deadline (please visit their website for further information and a step-by-step guide to applying for AECS)

2. as part of your application, you must submit an organic viability proposal endorsed by a UK-approved Organic Certification Body, such as Soil Association Certification (get in touch with our practical and friendly farming team to discuss how we can support you)

3. await your response from Scottish government to confirm that your application has been approved

4. you can then apply to Soil Association Certification and commence conversion of the land/livestock in spring of the following year (commencement must be no earlier than 1 January of the first year of management covered in your AECS application)

Get in touch

Our expert farming certification team can talk you through how organic conversion and certification could work on your farm.

Hear from farmers in Scotland about organic conversion