Scottish Organic Action Plan unveiled
In a bid to further grow the country’s thriving organic sector, Scotland Food & Drink, alongside the Scottish Government and a coalition of organisations, has announced a new action plan.
Now worth £3.7 billion to the UK market, the value of the organic market in Scotland has grown by 20.6% over five years, and growers have been adapting to meet this rising demand. Between 2021 and 2024, the area of Scottish agricultural land committed to organic production (either fully organic or in conversion) rose by 26.6%, from 103,900 hectares to 131,500 hectares.
The Scottish Organic Action Plan lays out a clear roadmap to accelerate growth in the sector – boosting the Scottish economy while advancing net zero goals, supporting biodiversity and strengthening Scotland’s global reputation for food.
The Scottish Government has invested £200,000 to support the plan’s initial delivery this year, helping to continue expansion of organic and stimulate demand at home and overseas. Delivery of the plan will be overseen by a partnership of organisations including Scotland Food & Drink, Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS), Soil Association Scotland and Soil Association Certification, opening the door to continued collaboration across the sector.
Leading the way
“Scotland is leading the way on organic production within the UK, but there is a huge opportunity to grow further,” explains Amanda Brown, programme director at Scotland Food & Drink. “Consumers are actively seeking high-quality organic food and drink products, and the Scottish Organic Action Plan marks an important step forward in our commitment to growing an already burgeoning sector.
“The plan sets out clear priorities to scale up production, meet demand and support the long-term development of organic food and farming in Scotland, and we’re excited to be part of the delivery team ensuring the industry makes strong progress.”
“There is strong evidence from Europe that effective and targeted Organic Action Plans can drive growth in the production and consumption of organic food.”
Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, says the plan marks an important step in growing Scotland’s organic market. “It’s important that we support our organic producers to help them access new markets and connect more closely with local supply chains and this plan will help more Scottish food and drink businesses thrive, all while bringing the benefits of organic food to more people across the country.”
Soil Association Scotland Co-Director David McKay says the organisation is ‘delighted’ to be involved in the plan to boost organic in Scotland, ‘as the government continues to leave the rest of the UK behind in backing nature-friendly farming’.
“There is strong evidence from Europe that effective and targeted Organic Action Plans can drive growth in the production and consumption of organic food,” he says. “With no artificial pesticides and more biodiversity on organic farms, investment in the Scottish organic sector can help deliver on climate and nature goals while meeting the growing consumer demand for organic food, rather than relying on imports.”