With the window for organic conversion payments now open in Scotland, how can Soil Association Certification support farmers in organic conversion?

With the window for organic conversion payments now open in Scotland, how can Soil Association Certification support farmers in organic conversion?

Applications are open for the Scottish government’s Agri-Environment Climate Scheme, offering financial support for farmers and landowners converting to organic farming. The funding window closes on Friday 13 April 2018.

Soil Association Certification certifies organic farmers and, through its Scotland office, offers a comprehensive and competitive support package that can assist farmers in Scotland through their conversion period.

David Michie, Head of Farming and Land Use at Soil Association Scotland, said: “Protecting and enhancing Scotland’s wonderful natural environment is right at the heart of the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme and farming, in particular environmentally-friendly systems like organic, are going to have to play a vital role in areas such as boosting biodiversity and protecting our soils.

“Now is a particularly good time to look at converting to organic, because we’re seeing an ever-growing organic market and real demand from the public for traceable produce.”

Cairn Hill Farm is a 700 hectare sheep and cattle farm that converted to organic three years ago. Discussing the decision to go organic, owner Andrew Williamson said: “We liked the ethos of organic; we have a lot of extensive grazing land, which is rich habitat for waders, so being organic merged well with a lot of the environmental schemes that we also wanted to be part of. The Soil Association doesn’t just certify products; the charity does a lot to promote organic food to a much wider audience.”

The Soil Association Certification business support package includes:

• A dedicated Certification Officer, Abi Catt, based in Scotland, offering practical and proficient support throughout the life of your certification
• Use of the UK’s most widely recognised organic symbol, used on more than 70% of UK organic products
• Supply chain support from a dedicated Business Development Manager, Isla McCulloch, including access to the Food for Life supplier scheme
• Free marketing support for key organic campaigns, such as Organic September

If you’re thinking about converting to organic, find out more about organic certification and conversion at www.soilassociationscotland.org