Welsh Farmers who are converting to Organic Farming, or who plan to, are being encouraged to apply for government support through the Organic Farming Conversion Scheme (OFCS).
Farmers who have a minimum of 3 hectares and began conversion to organic at any time from Jan 2nd, 2011 to Jan 1st, 2012 are eligible and priority will be given to farmers who are converting land used for arable production.
Application dates for the Organic Farming Conversion Scheme (OFCS) will be between Monday 3 October 2011 and Friday 4 November 2011.
Alun Davies, the Deputy Minister for Agriculture for the Welsh government said: “Organic farming is growing in Wales with more and more farmers recognising the added value that organic food can bring and responding to the increased demand from consumers. Many people who buy organic food also want to buy local food so I am pleased to continue to support farmers to convert to organic farming and to help them satisfy the demands of Welsh consumers.”
The commitment is expected to last for a period of 5 calendar years.
Details of the application process and up-to-date scheme information will be made available on the Organic Farming Scheme page of the Welsh Government website or from Divisional Offices and Organic Centre Wales.