I’m fed up with talking about the weather, but I can console myself with the fact we have grabbed every opportunity so far and progress is not too bad.New funding round for organic conversion in Wales
WELSH Assembly Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones, has announced arrangements for the re-opening of the Wales Organic Farming Conversion Scheme – providing a short window opportunity for farmers to apply to join between September 15 and until September 30.
The scheme offers support for organic conversion over a two-year period, provided for under the Rural Development Programme for Wales – but funding for the round is limited to £700,000.
She said she had taken the action in order to provide continued delivery of environmental outcomes and on-going support for organic farming while ensuring a smooth transition into the new Wales-based Glastir support scheme for those who wished to join.
“The prioritisation categories are in line with the aims of the second Organic Action Plan for Wales to support the sustainable development of the organic markets, and to maintain an appropriate balance between sectors,” added the Minister.
“It also ensures the Assembly Government prioritises applications which will provide the highest biodiversity gains in line with the CAP health check agenda which requires concerted actions from land managers to contribute towards achieving objectives, such as biodiversity management.”
Applications, which must include an organic conversion plan, will be prioritised in the following order:
● Those applying 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), and;
● Applicants who made expressions of interest in March 2009, including those rejected. (Smallest area applications first, subject to meeting the minimum eligible area requirements).
Officials also point out it should be noted that converting to organic farming without an offer of support from the Assembly is a business decision and does not guarantee an offer of financial support.
In line with the requirements of Glastir, the new land management scheme for Wales, the minimum eligible area to be entered into the scheme is 3 hectares.
Applicants must also have commenced organic conversion in their field parcels on or after July 15, 2009 and no later than January 1, 2010.
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