Arable land
Land to be classed as "arable land" is land which was in an arable crop (or under set-aside or lying fallow as part of a normal crop rotation) in one or more years during the five years prior to the 15th May in the year of application.
Improved Grassland
Land to be classed as "improved grassland" is land used for grazing where over one third of the sward comprises, singly or in mixture, ryegrass, coxsfoot or timothy, or land that has been improved by management practices such as liming and top dressing, where there is not a significant presence of sensitive plant species indicative of native unimproved grassland.
Rough Grazing
Land to be classed as "rough grazing" is land containing semi-natural vegetation including heathland, heather moorland, bog and rough grassland used or suitable for use as grazing.
Fruit & vegetable
- Fruit and vegetable land is land where fruit or vegetables are grown during the 5 year agreement.
For organic conversion you will be required to make the commitment to convert a parcel of land in the first 2 years and produce fruit or vegetables for a minimum of one year in any of years 3 to 5. - For organic maintenance you must have at least 2 years of fruit and vegetable production on that land within the 5 year period.
For either option the production of fruit and vegetables will be verified using the annual certification schedule from your Certification Body.