ORGANIC farmers and food producers will be in thoughtful mood as they gather at Lamancha for their annual conference on Thursday 5th February.

Super market battles and cuts in support to conventional farming following CAP reforms raise interesting questions about the way forward for their sector.

Organised by Scotland’s Rural College the conference in the Scottish Borders, is an opportunity to take stock and review the position.

“This meeting comes at a really interesting time for the sector”, says Senior Organic Farming Consultant, David Michie of the college’s SAC Consulting division. “A lot of conventional farmers in Scotland are looking at big drops in their subsidy payments and having to meet complicated new, controversial environmental or “greening” regulations just as the EU is about to make organic conversion and maintenance funding available. And of course organic farmers have the added bonus of being exempt from the greening.” The morning session at Lamancha Hub will have market updates from the red meat, dairy, cereals, direct marketing and horticultural sectors. There will also be an opportunity too consider the funding opportunities under the new Scottish Rural Development Programme, part of the CAP revision.

“The organic market has continued to grow over the last year, although beef and sheep farmers in Scotland are yet to see big premiums to reflect this, and producer numbers are now fairly static. However the generous Scottish Government support under the new SRDP for organics will maintain organic farming as a good commercial proposition,” comments David Michie.

In the afternoon discussion will focus on considering how to shape and drive forward the development and future of the organic sector in Scotland. Delegates will get the chance to contribute towards Scotland’s next Organic Action Plan.

While the event is free an organic lunch will be provided. With space limited and catering arrangements to be made, those planning to attend should book a place by contacting david.michie@sac.co.uk on 01224 711072 or caroline.shahin@sac.co.uk on 01224 711073.