Farmers can get support to convert to organic for the first time since 2022 with the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) opening for applications this week.
Payment for farmers already managing their land organically were reinstated in 2024 after the Welsh Organic Forum campaigned against the government’s decision to discontinue this support. But financial support for organic conversion has not been available since 2022.
After revealing details of the SFS last week, Welsh Government has now opened the application window for several optional actions that will operate in the first year of the scheme in 2026.
This includes “vital” support for the two-year conversion period – a time in which farmers must adjust their farming practices and fully adhere to organic standards while not being able to use the organic logo. There are a range of payment rates on offer, depending on enterprise, and certification costs of up to £500 per year are also available during the two-year conversion period.
Haydn Evans, Soil Association Head of Farming Cymru and Chair of the Welsh Organic Forum, said: “We are delighted to see Welsh Government recognising the many benefits that organic farming delivers for the environment by reopening this vital support for organic conversion. This welcome commitment reflects decades of the government’s investment in healthy soils, nature-rich farms and pioneering food businesses via support for organic. It also provides much needed reassurance and clarity to all farmers across Wales who can now look to invest in sustainability on their farms with more confidence.
“The organic market has seen a decade of growth but for too long we have seen this demand largely being met by imports with organic farmland remaining largely static. With Welsh Government also expanding the Welsh Veg in Schools initiative, this support provides an excellent opportunity for Welsh farmers and growers to tap into rising demand while supporting public health and nature restoration.”
