Conversion

Farms wanting to become organic usually go through at least two years of conversion before they achieve organic status. This means the land must be managed to organic standards but the produce cannot be sold as organic. This conversion time gives the land a clean break from chemicals and allows the farmer to plant fertility-building crops, such as grass and clover, to improve the condition of the soil.

Each farm has to produce a 'conversion plan'. This plan explains how the farmer will manage the farm to ensure healthy crops, livestock and environment. It includes:

• soil management programme
• cropping plans and proposed crop rotations
• explanation of how they will ensure the crops are well nourished
• programme for controlling pests, diseases and weeds
• plans for managing each enterprise
• grazing practices and grassland management
• environmental conservation methods
• livestock management plan
• recent soil analysis with an recommendations made

This plan is vital for the farmer, and for us, to be able to make sure that the new system is designed so that it will deliver all of the benefits of organic production.

Developing a healthy, living soil means that the plants will also be healthier, more resistant to disease and more nutritious.

Under certain circumstances this two-year period may be changed. The conversion period can be reduced by between four and 12 months, but only if the following conditions are met:

• The farmer has records to prove that the land hasn't had anything that we do not allow used on it for the period of the requested reduction.
• The land has been managed under a recognised agri-environment scheme that bans any pesticides or fertilisers that we do not allow.

If the farm has been in a monitored agricultural environment scheme, such as Countryside Stewardship or is in an Environmentally Sensitive Area, farmers may also be eligible for a 12 month reduction in conversion time.

A Soil Association inspector will visit the farm at least once a year for the whole time that the farm is certified for organic production to check that the standards are being followed. Only when the inspector is happy that the conversion has been successfully completed can the produce be called organic and carry the Soil Association symbol.

Introduction | Previous: Principles of the organic movement | Next: The benefits of organic farming

This document is not to be used by Soil Association licensees as a substitute for the Soil Association organic standards. The standards are available to buy for £30. To order a copy please call 0117 914 2406, or email goorganic@soilassociation.org.