Future Organic Support in Wales November 13, 2013 12:00 am The Welsh government has opened a consultation looking at the future of organic farming support under the next Rural Development Programme. The consultation, which runs until 21st January 2014, has been drawn up from previous engagement with the industry including an open meeting held at the Royal Welsh Show. The main proposals from the Welsh Government are: Maintain the existing 3 hectare minimum eligibility criteria for organic support under the new scheme in line with both Pillar 1 and other Pillar 2 schemes. There should be no dual funding deductions from Pillar 2 organic support where producers have qualified for Greening by other means (e.g. 75% permanent grassland). Where farmers use their organic status to qualify for Greening it is currently unclear to what extent they would be eligible for Pillar 2 organic support. ‘Glastir Organic’ will operate as a stand-alone scheme, but combinations with other Glastir options will be allowed. Reduced levels of conversion payments but increasing maintenance payments to better reflect the costs of organic management. Continue to offer differential payments rates based on land or crop types. Extensive grassland and moorland systems will continue to receive lower rates. Increase the maximum area eligible for payments from 300 Ha to 700 Ha. Undertake a feasibility study into organic co-operative schemes. Develop selection criteria for Rural Development funding that prioritises organic farming. As RD funding will be reduced for the next programme schemes are likely to be over-subscribed. Applications for support for organic conversion and maintenance must have a comprehensive business and farm management plan and have taken advice where relevant. A new scheme based on loans and capital grants (to support modernisation and long term viability) will be developed to which organic farms will be eligible to apply. The consultation document can be found at http://wales.gov.uk/consultations/environmentandcountryside/organic-support-2015-under-rural-development-plan-2014-2020/?lang=en
