What is Organic Centre Wales (OCW)? OCW is the national resource for consumers, farmers and policy makers committed to more sustainable food and farming in Wales. Set up in 2000, it delivers projects to support the organic sector for the Welsh Government.[link:about::About the Centre

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For producers  |  Going organic  |  Working with producers  |  Technical information  |  Soil and fertilty management  |  Government support

Step by step guide to organic conversion

Understand what's involved
Plan carefully
Get out there!
Read all about it
Apply for support from the Welsh Assembly Government
Look at your marketing options
Get your farm certified

1. Understand what's involved

Register with the Organic Conversion Information Service on 01970 622100 to help you understand what the implications are for you and your farm

2. Plan carefully

Farming Connect can pay part of the cost of preparing a Whole Farm Plan, which can be used to provide a detailed organic conversion plan covering the farming system and financial implications of conversion. The Farming Connect Whole Farm Plan Co-ordinators who are based at your local Divisional Office and OCW staff can help you decide on the scope and content of your plan and identify suitable mentors to carry out the work. Farming Connect also offers support to eligible businesses in meeting cross compliance requirements and environmental regulations. Farm visits together with specialist support and training from approved advisors can also provide confidential on farm advice.

3. Get out there!

There is no substitute for meeting experienced organic farmers and other producers who are also converting their systems. OCW delivers the Farming Connect Organic Development Programme, which includes demonstration farm and farmer discussion group events, conferences, seminars, workshops and other types of knowledge transfer activities. Many of these events are run in conjunction with the Grassland Development Centre (GDC).

Farming Connect has established a Skills Development Programme which enables eligible farmers and forestry businesses to claim 50% funding towards vocational and regulatory training. Agri-environment training (e.g. creating and maintaining on-farm habitats, landscape and water quality), is fully funded which is available to Tir Gofal agreement holders. OCW co-ordinates an organic area at the Royal Welsh Show and the Winter Fair and has a presence at other major farming events and regional shows. The Organic Research Centre Elm Farm also runs a demonstration farm network in England, and the Soil Association has a network of organic farms open to the public in Wales and England.

4. Read all about it

A range of publications is available from OCW, including technical guides, fact sheets and information on all aspects of food and farming. Visit the website (www.organic.aber.ac.uk) for more details, free downloads and to subscribe to two free regular e-mail bulletins. The Soil Association also publishes a series of technical guides and a magazine, Organic Farming, which contains technical items and news. Organic Farmers and Growers also provide an information pack for farmers and regular newsletters. Other technical information is available from the Organic Research Centre, Elm Farm.

5. Apply for support from the Welsh Assembly Government

It is important that you find out if you can get support before starting conversion. Contact your local Divisional Office for information.

6. Look at your marketing options

There are many opportunities for marketing Welsh organic produce through producer groups, cooperatives, supermarkets and direct sales. OCW offers marketing information through the Better Organic Business Links project (see above). The Food Fisheries and Market Development Division (FFMDD) of the Welsh Assembly Government offers support for the development of organic marketing and processing.

7. Get your farm certified

Certification is an entirely separate process from applying to the Welsh Assembly Government for support payments. However, payments are conditional on the land being certified, and remaining so, throughout the period of your agreement. Minimum organic standards are set by the European Union and interpreted by DEFRA under the guidance of the Advisory Committee on Organic Standards (ACOS), and are implemented by a number of organic certification bodies. See Factsheet 9.