Scheme opens to applications from 15/9/09 to 30/9/09

The Welsh Assembly Government has announced the opening of an Organic Farming Conversion Scheme. 

Farmers will be able to apply to join the scheme between 15 September 2009 and 30 September 2009.



Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones, explained that she has taken this action in order to provide and ongoing support for organic farming whilst ensuring a smooth transition into Glastir, the new land management scheme for Wales. 

She added that the scheme is in line with the aims of the Second Organic Action Plan for Wales to support the sustainable development of the organic markets. Furthermore the Welsh Assembly will give priority to those applications that will provide the highest gains in terms of biodiversity, following the CAP Health check agenda.

Funding for this round is limited to £700,000, so it is important that applications are submitted as soon as possible. 

The minimum eligible area to be entered into the scheme is 3 hectares, which is the same eligibility criteria as required for Gladstir.  It is possible to apply to join the scheme if organic conversion has started on or after 15 July 2009 and, if successful, conversion has to be started by 1^st January 2010. 

Applications need to include an organic conversion plan and will be prioritised according to three criteria in the following order:
- Applications for the conversion of land used for arable production in 2009, as declared on the 2009 Single Application Form (SAF).  
- Existing organic scheme agreement holders wishing to bring in additional land for conversion (Smallest area applications first, subject to meeting the minimum eligible area requirements
- Those applicants who made expressions of interest in March 2009, including those rejected. (Smallest area applications first, subject to meeting the minimum eligible area requirements)

Exact details of the application process and up-to-date scheme information will soon be published on the Organic Farming Scheme page of the Welsh Assembly Government internet site and will be available or from Divisional Offices and the Organic Centre Wales.