AECS Funding is now open for applications

Scottish Government have made a manifesto promise to support the growth of organic agriculture in Scotland, and there are funding provisions to support organic conversion and maintenance in the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS).

Application Window

Please note there is two different deadlines for the 2026 AECS round depending on the options included in the application:

• Application window for stand-alone Organic Conversion and/or Maintenance applications closes 31st July 2026.

• Application window for combined Organic Conversion and/or Maintenance applications + other agri-environment options closes 22nd June 2026.

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To find out more about this Scottish Government support, click here for full details and guidance.

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Organic Conversion Payment Rates per ha:

• Arable Land will receive £280 in years 1 & 2, then £65 in year 3-5 (£755 over 5 years).
• Improved Grassland will receive £140 in years 1 & 2, then £55 years 3-5 (£445 over five years).
• Rough Grazing will receive £12.50 in years 1 & 2, then £8.50 years 3-5 (£50.50 over five years).
• Fruit and Vegetable Land will receive £400 years 1 & 2, then £200 years 3-5 (£1400 over 5 years).

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The Organic Maintenance Payment Rates per ha have not changed either and are awarded for a five-year contract:

The minimum payment for organic maintenance is £500 per annum per IACS registered business.

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Specific payments for different land categories per ha include the following:

• Arable Land will receive £65/ha per year.
• Improved Grassland will receive £55/ha per year.
• Rough Grazing will receive £8.50/ha per year.
• Fruit and Vegetable Ground will receive £200/ha per year.

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A description of the land category definitions for organic payment rates can be found in the scheme guidance.

We Can Help

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SOPA Member Services offer mentoring and advice every step of the way for both existing Members putting together an organic maintenance application or new applicants working on organic conversion funding applications.  

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.

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Contact us via email here or call 0300 772 9795.