Glastir Organic

The Welsh Government has announced the proposed payment rates for organic producers under the new Glastir Organic Scheme.  Unlike the previous scheme there isn’t any specific payment for arable crops, but other elements of Glastir have arable cropping options which organic farmers can make use of.  The table below summarises  the payments;

* Certification costs will be capped at £500 per contract

Land with more than 40% down to horticultural crops in a temporary grassland rotation, as well as top fruit producers will qualify for the highest payments.  The enclosed land category includes all enclosed lowland.  Rough grazing includes enclosed upland, sole grazed commons, grazed woodland, as well as lowland bogs and heaths. 

Full details of the scheme are not yet available, they are expected to be released at the Royal Welsh Show in July, with the application window due to open late summer or early autumn with agreements commencing on 1st January 2015.  But in general the following points are expected;

• the new Glastir Organic Scheme will be a stand-alone scheme and farmers joining the organic scheme will remain eligible for other parts of Glastir
• support for ongoing training and skills development will be available
• applicants will need to show they have a business plan in place
• the maximum area supported per holding will be 400 Ha
• conversion and maintenance contractswill be for five years

The proposed payment rates are still subject to EU approval.