AECS 2022 funding for organic conversion

Converting with funding

Scottish Government have made a manifesto promise to support the growth of organic farming in Scotland, and there are funding provisions to support organic conversion and maintenance in the AECS Scheme.

The future of farm policy is very bright for organic farms, and with the headline interest in soils and biodiversity there is lots of opportunity for the natural capital benefits brought about by organic farm management.

2022 Applications - Key Dates
The AECS funding application window has now closed. If you applied by 29th April 2022, the next key dates will be in the autumn of 2022 when ScotGov will be contacting applicants with news on approval or failure. Approved contracts will be issued and should be checked before signing and returning to ScotGov.  Remember, your contract for funding is with ScotGov, not with SOPA. It is important you adhere to ScotGov contract terms. Once you receive your Authority to Start letter from ScotGov, you should contact us and let us know. We can then guide you through the next steps in preparing a conversion plan and selecting a start date.

We Can Help
SOPA Member Support offer mentoring and advice every step of the way, so we can help you while you are thinking about conversion, preparing for conversion and undergoing conversion. We talk you through the steps to apply for funding, and can even act as your application agent if you wish.

We also offer technical advice on the conversion process, important dates and steps you need to take.

Key things to think about AECS
‍The Scheme allows for a minimum £500in total funding over five years, so small farms can apply. The maximum Arable, Improved Grassland and Fruit and Veg land you can apply for is 300ha.The scheme application cannot exceed total 1000ha.Submitting an approved Organic Viability Proposal (OVP) is essential to the application.  Contact us to get help with the OVP. The scheme pays funding for five years.

The payment rates depend on the type of land entering conversion.

We Can Help
SOPA Member Support offer mentoring and advice every step of the way, so we can help you while you are thinking about conversion, preparing for conversion and undergoing conversion. We talk you through the steps to apply for funding, and can even act as your application agent if you wish.

We also offer technical advice on the conversion process, important dates and steps you need to take.

• Arable land will pay £495/ha over five years
• Improved Grassland will pay £445/ha over five years
• Fruit and Vegetable land will pay £1400/ha over five years
• Rough Grazing will pay £50.50/ha over five years

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