Scottish organic beef and grain production increased

The production of finished organic beef and organic grain in Scotland increased during 2008-09.

According to results shown in an annual survey of Scottish organic producers by the SAC Organic Market Link (OML), between July 2008 and June 2009, organic producers in Scotland will finish just over 8,000 head of organic cattle, an increase of 17 percent, while the number of store cattle has increased by 10 percent.

Scotland will not expect any significant increase in new livestock producers with very few or if any, new organic conversions reaching full organic status this coming year.

However, when asked about their future intentions for 2009 to 2011, fifty percent of Scotland's organic prime beef producers said they plan to produce a similar number this year, while a further 43 percent indicated they intend to increase their organic production. So, similar or slightly higher numbers of prime beef are expected during the next two-year period.

According to OML coordinator, Caroline Bayliss said information gathered through the survey has demonstrated continuity of supply which has given two volume processors the confidence to get their organic beef lines running in Scotland.

Bayliss said it has also allowed direct farmer to farmer trading for grains, pulses and store stock to develop.