Organic Farming

The approved private sector certification bodies, such as the Soil Association or SFQC/SOPA, may with the approval of DEFRA, reduce the conversion period by up to four months. This depends on the previous use of the land and the applications that have been applied to it (the application of prohibitive materials is not allowed).

The conversion period may also be reduced for one year for pasturages, open air runs and exercise areas used by non-herbivore species (pigs and poultry). This only applies where there is evidence that the areas concerned have not received any prohibited material for at least 12 months before the start of the reduced conversion period.

In exceptional cases the certification body may make a special application to DEFRA for a reduction of more than four months. In any case, the absolute maximum reduction that can be given by DEFRA is 12 months.

Remember also that if you obtain a 12-month reduction in the conversion period, you are likely to lose the first year payment (the highest rate of payment) from your Organic Aid Scheme payments.