Improving the Organic Farming Scheme

"This year’s Wales Organic Conference brought some good news for would-be converters. BARRY ALSTON reports from the Royal Welsh Showground.

THE Organic Farming Scheme is to re-open in Wales next month – with some significant improvements developed in consultation with the industry.

It includes:

• A new payment of £1,000 on the first hectare of land entered into the scheme to help with costs of certification and training.

• A new payment of £200 per ha per year for organic horticulture, specifically to encourage more farmers to grow field vegetables to increase the local supply of fresh organic produce.

• Greater access to the arable payment rate which was previously restricted to AAPS eligible land."

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