The Scottish government has published proposals to boost the organic sector in the country.
The Organic Futures action plan outlines how the government and industry can work to develop policies to drive the growth of the sector, which is worth some GBP55m (US$88.8m) a year.
The report, published on Monday (14 March), said that sales of organic salmon have risen in recent years, with “demand currently exceeding supply”, which provides a “clear opportunity for Scottish producers”. The report called for “renewed work on organic standards” to allow Scotland to “seize the opportunity organic salmon represents”.
The report said that it will support funding for the conversion and maintenance of organic farms under the Scottish Rural Development programme, with support and guidance available from the Scottish Agricultural College.
Cabinet secretary for rural affairs and the environment Richard Lochead said that, while investing in enhancing Scotland’s natural assets, including landscape, biodiversity and soils, “it is also crucial that organic businesses enjoy sustainable economic growth in markets at home and abroad if such environmental benefits are to be enhanced”.
“Success in the marketplace will rely on a number of factors, most notably on effective communication to buyers about why they should purchase organic goods but also on the innovation, expertise and entrepreneurial spirit of organic businesses,” he added.

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