Farmers are being encouraged to apply for funding to convert to organic as Soil Association Scotland says it is the best time in decades to make the switch.
The window for the Agri Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) opens today (February 23), just weeks after the UK’s first nationally funded Scottish Organic Action Plan was launched by Scotland Food and Drink. The plan was launched to help meet the Scottish Government’s goals to boost organic farmland.
The annual opportunity closes on June 22 for combined applications and on July 31 for organic farmers. It is set to contribute to the Scottish Government’s goal of doubling organic farmland to more than 200,000 hectares this year. In addition to AECS, organic farmers and crofters will automatically be eligible for government support via the Basic Payment Scheme. Organic systems tick the animal health and welfare and integrated pest management areas from the whole-farm plan, due to requirements in organic for farmers to deliver high animal welfare and use natural solutions over pesticides.
Soil Association Scotland Co-Director, David McKay, commented: “In the past few years we have seen a rise in farmers seeking organic certification. This is tied to multiple reasons, from consistent policy support for conversion, high level political targets for growing organic land, to consumers increasingly becoming aware of the benefits of organic products. Recent statistics reveal that in Scotland, while the market share is still small, organic food and drink has grown by 20.6 er cent in five years. We believe right now is the best time in decades for farmers in Scotland to grab onto a market that is only growing.”
Sam Parsons, Farm Manager at Balcaskie Estate in Scotland, converted the farm to organic in 2016 and said the transition to organic had proved a success: “Economically, we are performing even better than our conventional system. We’re doing that whilst increasing employment, improving soil quality and biodiversity, and over time we expect profitability to increase further. Organic farming requires more planning, but you can also afford to take more gambles as there is lower risk and more variable outcomes in terms of yield.”
Soil Association Scotland and Soil Association Certification will be supporting the Organic Action Plan with a series of activities to help develop new markets to improve the accessibility of organic. This will include working with retailers and public settings to increase the range of Scottish organic food products available in stores, schools and hospitals across the UK. Work will also involve the development of a ‘basket’ of commonly bought food products that are grown in Scotland but have limited or no local or organic supply chains into the wholesale market, with a view to breaking down those barriers.
The annual Veganuary campaign has attracted a record-breaking 30m participants for the 2026 offering.
The non-profit organisation encouraging people to try vegan in January and beyond, is celebrating a record-breaking campaign with around 30m people worldwide taking part in Veganuary 2026. Nationally representative surveys were commissioned by Veganuary in 12 of its core campaign countries to establish the percentage of people who report having taken part in Veganuary during January 2026. Based on these results and the current population estimates for each country, Veganuary has calculated that roughly 30 million people worldwide chose to try vegan this January as part of Veganuary.
Returning for its 12 year, the campaign made its presence known once again; a London Underground billboard caught commuters’ attention with the message ‘Same kindness, now to all kinds’, while celebrities championed the campaign’s positive, welcoming approach to diet change. TV presenters, Kate Lawler and Kirsty Gallacher, took on the 31-day challenge while figures including Olivia Colman, Ainsley Harriott and Matthew Modine shared recipes and words of encouragement with participants. Veganuary’s global footprint also continued to expand in 2026. Official campaigns launched in Iceland and Ireland, and the pledge was available in Hindi for the first time, making the 31-day challenge accessible to millions worldwide.
Veganuary CEO, Wendy Matthews, commented: “There’s been plenty of talk in the media about interest in vegan fading. But the story worth telling is the one unfolding in kitchens, not in the comment section. Millions of people chose kindness this January – for themselves, for animals and for the planet. Veganuary is now firmly mainstream, and its continued growth is proof of what happens when people around the world put compassion into practice. We think that’s something truly worth celebrating and a powerful sign that conscious food choices are more than a passing trend.”
Organic food brand, Biona, has announced a new campaign encouraging consumers to switch processed sliced bread for rye alternatives.
The brand’s first Rye January encourages shoppers to ditch ultra-processed sliced bread and try their natural rye alternative. As part of the campaign, Biona has also carried out research which revealed 73 per cent of UK consumers are unable to identify the 10 most common additives and preservatives found in their daily bread.
The campaign highlights the growing concern that one of Britain’s most-eaten foods is also one of its most ultra-processed. Biona explains that this simple swap could make a measurable difference, as studies have shown that rye bread improves blood sugar control, reduces cholesterol by up to 14 per cent, and keeps people fuller for longer thanks to its high-fibre, low-GI profile. Participants are encouraged to track their energy levels, digestion, and hunger patterns.
Carmen Ferguson, Brand Manager at Biona’s parent company, Windmill Organics, commented: “We’re delighted to be launching our first ever Rye January campaign and encourage everyone to give it a try. We know many UK consumers are now concerned about the levels of additives and preservatives in their daily sliced loaf and the potential impact that can have on their health. Rye bread is the perfect solution to those concerns so make the swap and give it a try!”
Organic & Natural Business magazine