FARMERS in England interested in financial support for organic conversion must request an application pack for the government’s Countryside Stewardship scheme by the end of next week.

Financial support is available through the scheme to farmers and landowners converting to organic, with help on hand from Soil Association Certification on conversion.

The window for mid-tier applications will close on 31 July but application packs must be requested by 31 May.

Sophie Kirk, business development manager for farming at Soil Association Certification, said: “This is a great time to convert to organic with the sector now in its eighth consecutive year of growth.

"The latest Defra figures for 2018 showed a further increase in organic producers and we know that the market for organic cereals for animal feed is also growing faster than UK producers can supply.

“These are trends we expect to continue with the government’s focus on preserving and enhancing our environment, including our soils, in the upcoming Agriculture and Environment Bills. The fundamental principles of organic – such as enhancing our soil health, working with our ecosystems, and caring for our environment – are wholly in line with the ambitions being set out by government."

To support arable producers, Soil Association Certification has published a webinar recording, which was hosted in partnership with Savills, to explain the organic certification and application processes.

Watch the webinar and find out more