A WINDOW of financial support for those converting to organic farming is being offered by the Scottish Government. Farmers can apply for funding up until March 31.

Soil Association Scotland can certify organic farmers, and is now welcoming applications with a new support package for those interested in converting. Association head of agricultural development, David Michie, said: “It is a great time to consider organic. The organic market is growing, the Organic Trade Board are just about to launch a big media campaign that will further boost sales and the Scottish government has recognised the importance of organic agriculture with its support for the organic action plan organic ambitions. Our team in Scotland is at the end of the phone, and we can help with supporting documentation required for funding applications.”

The organic market remains in sustained growth – last year, according to figures released by the Scottish government, £57.8 million was spent on organic food and drink in Scotland (0.6% of total grocery spend – to September 2016), up by 11.7% from the previous year, according to figures from Kantar Worldpanel.