Introducing a New Plan to Grow Scotland’s Organic Food and Farming Sector

Scotland Food & Drink, alongside the Scottish Government and a partnership of organisations, including SAOS and Soil Association Scotland, has today shared an innovative new action plan designed to grow the country’s thriving organic sector.

Now worth £3.7 billion to the UK market, the value of organic food and drink has grown for 13 consecutive years while, within Scotland, the value of the organic market has grown by 20.6% in five years.

To meet increasing demand, growers have been adapting. Between 2021 and 2024, the area of Scottish agricultural land committed to organic production (either fully organic or in conversion) grew by 26.6%, from 103,900 hectares to 131,500 hectares.

With consumers increasingly seeking organic options for health, environmental and quality reasons, the Scottish Organic Action Plan, published today, 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.

“Consumers are actively seeking high-quality organic food and drink products, and the Scottish Organic Action Plan marks an important step forward in our commitment to growing an already burgeoning sector.

“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.

“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.”

To read the full Scottish Organic Action Plan, please visit: foodanddrink.scot/scottish-organic-action-plan-2026-2029