This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Organic Aid Scheme 2005
24/01/2005
Application forms for the Organic Aid Scheme 2005 are
now available at local SEERAD Area Offices.
The deadline for returning completed application forms
is March 31, 2005. Application forms and further
information about the scheme can also be found online at
www.scotland.gov.uk/organics.
The Organic Aid Scheme aims to encourage the expansion
of organic production in Scotland to help meet the
increasing demand for organically produced food.
The scheme forms part of the Scottish Rural Development
Programme (SRDP) and is jointly funded by SEERAD and the
European Community.
There are two options under the Organic Aid Scheme.
- Organic Aid Scheme (Conversion):
payments to help farmers convert to organic
farming
- Organic Aid Scheme (Maintenance):
payments to help existing organic farmers to continue
farming organically
Changes to the Organic Aid Scheme were made in 2004, in
line with the Organic Action Plan targets.
These included new payment rates to give a better
incentive to organic conversion where this can be of
greatest environmental and market benefit, a new payment
category for organic fruit and vegetable production,
additional support for advisory assistance, assistance with
the capital costs associated with organic conversion and
the introduction of maintenance payments post
conversion.