Scotland has taken a firm policy lead on organic by launching the UK’s first nationally funded organic action plan.
The Scottish Organic Action Plan 2026–2029, announced yesterday, sets out a sector-led, government-supported roadmap for growing organic farming and organic food and drink production across Scotland.
With consumers increasingly seeking organic options for health, environmental and quality reasons, the new Plan sets out a roadmap for catalysing that growth for the benefit of the Scottish economy – while also contributing to net zero, biodiversity, and Scotland’s global food reputation.
To support the ongoing growth of the organic sector and drive demand at home and abroad, the Scottish Government has supported the initial delivery this year with investment of £200,000.
Delivery of the Action Plan will be overseen by a coalition of organisations made up of Scotland Food & Drink, Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS), Soil Association Scotland and Soil Association Certification, among others, marking an exciting opportunity for continued collaboration across the industry.
Amanda Brown, programme director at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “Scotland is leading the way on organic production within the UK but there is a huge opportunity to grow further.
“The plan sets out clear priorities to scale up production, meet demand, and support the long-term development of organic food and farming in Scotland, and we’re excited to be part of the delivery team ensuring the industry makes strong progress.”
Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, added: “With Scotland leading the way on organic production across the UK, publication of this Scottish Organic Action Plan marks an important step in growing Scotland’s organic market.
“With Scotland leading the way on organic production across the UK, publication of this Scottish Organic Action Plan marks an important step in growing Scotland’s organic market”
“It’s important that we support our organic producers to help them access new markets and connect more closely with local supply chains and this plan will help more Scottish food and drink businesses thrive, all while bringing the benefits of organic food to more people across the country.”
Soil Association Scotland co-director David McKay said: “We are delighted to be involved in this plan to boost the organic market in Scotland, as the government continues to leave the rest of the UK behind in backing nature-friendly farming.
“There is strong evidence from Europe that effective and targeted Organic Action Plans can drive growth in the production and consumption of organic food.
“With no artificial pesticides and more biodiversity on organic farms, investment in the Scottish organic sector can help deliver on climate and nature goals while meeting the growing consumer demand for organic food, rather than relying on imports.”
Five Priority Areas
The Plan is structured around five core priority areas designed to expand organic land, strengthen markets, and embed organic in Scotland’s food system:
- Develop Research, Training and Advisory Services
– Improve organic-specific advisory support through Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service, including peer-to-peer learning and professional training.
– Expand research into organic practices to build evidence and support innovation. - Raise Awareness of Organic in Scotland
– Promoting the full range of organic products and their benefits.
– Learn from best practice in international markets.
– Embed organic into marketing and major promotional initiatives, including awards and campaigns, to boost recognition and demand. - Develop Organic Supply Chains and Markets
– Support improvements in supply chain capability, commercial intelligence and collaboration between retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice.
– Coordinate activities across sectors to support collaboration and scale. - Facilitate Conversion and Maintenance of Organic Land
– Strengthen financial incentives and trusted advisory advice to ease conversion to organic systems and maintain long-term organic management.
– Work closely with producers and government to ensure schemes evolve to meet sector needs and reduce barriers to entry. - Promote Public Procurement of Organic Produce
– Increase organic content in public sector food provision to boost demand and visibility, helping to secure stable markets for organic producers.
– Investigate and promote cost-effective organic ingredients for public sector kitchens.