This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scotland's organic success
08/02/2006
Half the demand for organic produce in Scotland is now being met by Scotland's own organic farmers according to a report published today.
As part of Environment week, Deputy Environment and Rural Development Minister Rhona Brankin today announced Scotland's Organic farmers are on target to provide 70% of demand for home-grown organic food, and are also succeeding in UK and international markets.
The Minister also announced that payments to organic farmers will increase, and some will even quadruple, as the Executive assists them in converting to and maintaining organic farm land.
Speaking at Cairns Farm in West Lothian, Rhona Brankin said:
"There is clearly consumer demand for organic produce and we will continue to help the sector in Scotland develop to meet that demand.
"Cairns Farm demonstrates how important the funding for organic farming is, and the extent to which it can be utilised. They have embraced change and identified niche markets to make their quality organic produce available in the local area."
Cairns Farm is a livestock farm run by Caroline and Graham Hamilton. The farm has been in the Organic Aid Scheme since 1998.
The farm supplies customers beef and lamb direct through farmers markets in central Scotland under the name "Mrs Hamiltons Beef and Lamb". They received Scottish Executive funding through the Food Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme for an on-farm cutting plant which opened in December 2005. The farm has also won a West Lothian Environmental Award.
The company was shortlisted for a Vision in Business for the Environment in Scotland (VIBES) award in 2005. They also won the Scottish Power Edinburgh Farmers Market Stallholder of the year in 2004.
The Organic Market Penetration Report by the Soil Association Scotland can be found at the link below: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/02/08094741/0
The revised payment rates for the Organic Aid Scheme can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Agriculture/Agricultural-Policy/15869/OAS/OASpaymentrates