Note: If you are applying for Organic conversion and maintenance as part of a single application with Agri-environment management it must be submitted by the 10th June 2024 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
The area caps were removed in 2023 for conversion and maintenance. While there is no upper limit for land in organic conversion or maintenance you must be able to demonstrate that the land is used for agricultural purposes.
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 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.
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
Organic Conversion is no longer capped in AECS. Existing organic conversion contract holders with land on their schedule of works in excess of the previous caps will start to be paid on these areas from the 2024 scheme year. While there is no upper limit for land in organic conversion you must be able to demonstrate that the land is used for agricultural purposes.
A minimum payment of £500 per annum per IACS registered business for conversion applies.
AECS conversion 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.
Conversion payments rates per hectare
Arable:
Years one and two:£280
Years three to five: £65
Improved grassland:
Years one to five:£140
Years three to five: £55
Unimproved grassland/rough grazing:
Years one and two: £12.50
Years three to five: £8.50
Fruit and veg:
Years one and two:£400
Years three to five: £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 one to five:£65
Improved grassland:
Years one to five:£55
Unimproved grassland/rough grazing:
Years one to five:£8.50
Fruit and veg:
Years one to five:£200
2024 key dates
The application window is open from 1st February – 31st July 2024
Application deadline: 10th June 2024
How to apply
When applying for AECS funding for organic conversion, there are threekey steps you will need to follow:
You must apply for AECS funding directly with Scottish Government Rural Payments and Services. Please visit their website for further information and a step-by-step guide to applying for AECS.
After you have submitted your AECS application and had confirmation that it has been approvedby Scottish Government, you can apply to Soil Association Certification andcommence conversion of the land/livestock (which must be no earlier than 1st January of the first year of management covered in your AECS 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
