A REPORT pointing the way for expanding the organic sector in Scotland is due to be launched at the Royal Highland Show.

Produced by the Scottish Organic Stakeholders Group, which includes the Scotland Food and Drink trade association, SRUC, RSPB Scotland and the National Farmers Union Scotland, as well as organic producers, the launch of the publication will be hosted in the Scottish Government Pavilion.

It'll be the first time that the organic sector has been given such a high profile at the Show. Supporters of organics hope this will mark a turning point for the sector, as a positive step towards mainstreaming organics across government policy and procurement.

The report is expected to call on the Scottish Government to produce a Scottish Organic Action Plan to support and expand the sector between now and 2030.

The launch event is open to the public. It will include speakers from the Soil Association and Scotland Food and Drink. Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands Mairi Gougeon has also been invited to speak. The launch will be followed by a short networking session.

Chair of the Scottish Organic Stakeholders Group, Ross Paton, said: “Organics must move from the margins into the mainstream of Scottish food and drink. We are delighted to be launching this report in the Scottish Government’s Pavilion and at the Royal Highland Show. We know that organics can make a significant difference to nature and the environment, and that it can produce more socially and economically sustainable food. Come to the launch, help yourself to an organic snack, and add your ideas to how we can expand organics together.”

The new report indicates that the market for organic Scottish produce has been growing year-on-year since 2006, with sales increases of 6.2% in 2021. Yet, this growing demand is not being reflected in the amount of organically managed land in Scotland, which is at 1.8% of agricultural land, one of the lowest levels in the EU (where the target is to increase organic land to 25% by 2030). The Scottish Government, which has committed to doubling this by 2026, recognises that action is needed.
SOSG specific recommendations include: 

  • Establishing an organic growth hub to develop supply and processing chains; 
  • Measures to increase procurement of organic produce in public kitchens;
  • Developing a strong consistent message to the public that explains what organic is and what it does;
  • Mainstreaming organics in the food and farming industry;
  • Making research, training and advice on organic production widely available.