29 March 2023
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More financial support announced by UK Government.
UK GROWERS who convert to organic will receive up to a third more cash than last year as the Government increases support for nature-friendly farming.
Payments for organic growing are rising by an average of 25% for those entering a new scheme with Countryside Stewardship, which opened for mid-tier applications last week. The Government has boosted all payments for growing that benefits the environment via Countryside Stewardship, but the increase for organic is significantly above the average increase of 10%.
The Soil Association says there has been 11 years' consecutive growth in the UK organic market, which topped £3.1billion in 2022.
It welcomed the latest announcment, stating that growers converting to organic will be able to earn twice as much as before from Government incentives, in Countryside Stewardship agreements that will run for five years.
Options are also available for nature-friendly practices such as avoiding insecticides and protecting soils via the new Sustainable Farming Incentives (SFI).
Growers can apply for organic conversion or maintenance payments via the mid-tier options for Countryside Stewardship, which will be open for applications until August 18th. Click here for more information or to apply.
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