£1.5m Glastir Organic scheme to open in Wales

The Cabinet Secretary for the Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, has announced  an expression of interest window for a £1.5million scheme to support organic farmers and producers will open on the 17 October 2016.

Glastir Organic is a five year contract open to those who wish to convert to organic production and for existing organic producers to support ongoing organic maintenance.

Wales already has the highest level of land farmed organically in the UK. The Glastir Organic scheme is designed to increase uptake of organic farming even further in sectors such as horticulture and dairy, where there is potential for domestic market expansion.

The Cabinet Secretary said:

“I am pleased to announce the new expression of interest window for the Glastir Organic scheme. Organic farming has an important role to play in the future of our agricultural sector in Wales and supports our ambition for a greener economy.

“Organic status can also add value to our products as consumer demand for sustainable and responsibly produced food and drink increases. I would urge those currently farming organically or with an interest in converting to take advantage of this scheme.”

Successful applications for the Glastir Organic scheme will be chosen as part of a competitive selection process.

The deadline for the Expression of Interests is 4 November 2016. Contracts will commence on the 1st January 2017.

The Expression of Interest must be submitted through RPW Online. If you are not yet registered with RPW Online and do not have an activation code please call the Customer Contact Centre on 0300 062 5004 as soon as possible.

Guidance on completing your Glastir Organic Expression of Interest online is available from RPW Online.

Glastir Organic is funded through the Welsh Government and the European Commission to form part of the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme for Wales for 2014 to 2020.