With the increasing interest from arable farmers converting to organic production, premiums for organic cereals have ranged from £120-£160 over the last 5 years.  Combined with the ability to sell an in conversion crop (one that has been harvested a year after the start of organic conversion) is attractive, as the price differential between in conversion and organic is often less than £20 / tonne.

This income can often help with cash flow prior to receipt of government’s conversion payments which are available under Mid-Tier Stewardship.

However, for this to happen the purchaser will need to have a copy of the organic certificate that states that the farm is producing the specific in conversion crops.  I have recently come across a case where an organic certificate had failed to record in conversion crops and potentially this would have cost the client tens of thousands in lost income.

If you are considering organic conversion, please contact William at w.waterfield@fcgagric.com  or your local FCG consultant.