SAC highlights potential of organic grain production

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SAC highlights potential of organic grain production
01/06/07

The UK does not produce sufficient organic grain (cereals and pulses) to supply the needs of organic livestock producers and millers and has to rely on imports to make up the shortfall.

wheat

However there continues to be a worldwide shortage of organic grain and grain prices reached an all time high this spring with wheat reportedly fetching in the region of £300 per tonne. Prices of £190 to £200 per tonne for wheat are expected at harvest 2007. This situation is likely to continue, unless substantial arable areas are converted to organic farming. SAC Organic Market Link Co-ordinator Caroline Bayliss has calculated that an additional 97,000 ha of rotational land needs to be converted in the UK in order to meet the shortfall in organic grain for feed and milling.

The increased growth in demand for feed grain has arisen primarily as a result of increased consumer demand for organic milk, pork and poultry products Also there is a new and developing market for pulses and wheat in organic fish production. In similar vein, the Red Meat Industry Forum has forecast an increase of 70% in the level of organic beef consumption between 2005 and 2010, to 19,000 tonnes per annum. Changes in the derogation on use of conventional feed in organic livestock diets have also increased demand and tightened the supply, with more organic grain being retained for home feeding.

SAC organic advisers are encouraging non-organic arable producers to consider converting to organic production. The SRDP funding situation is becoming clearer and it is hoped that organic aid will be available again before the end of 2007. There is a lot to learn in the conversion process and producers are encouraged to plan well ahead. To help producers to gain the necessary expertise, SAC has planned a programme of events during the summer of 2007, starting on Tuesday 5th June with a one-day event in Perthshire on weed control in organic arable crops. Contact David Younie, 01224 711072 for further details.

SAC Organic Producer Meetings: Summer 2007

SAC Organic Producer Event

One-day Event: Farm Walks and Seminar
WEED CONTROL IN ORGANIC ARABLE CROPS

Tuesday 5th June 2007
Tarrylaw, Balbeggie (courtesy of Culfargie Estates); Belmont Arms, Meigle;
East Mains, Auchterhouse (courtesy of John Skea)
Starts 10.30am at Tarrylaw
Speakers: Brian Kaye, Brian Coleman (Einbock Weeders), Ken Davies (SAC), John Skea

BASIS and NroSo points are being applied for.
Attendance is free, but in order to arrange lunch numbers please book your place by contacting Sandra Chalmers, SAC 01224 711080). Further details of the programme from David Younie, SAC (01224 711072)

SAC Organic Events at the Royal Highland Show

FRIDAY 22 JUNE 2007

2.00- 2.45pm
SEMINAR:
REDUCING AGRICULTURE’S CARBON FOOTPRINT:
THE POTENTIAL ROLE OF ORGANIC FARMING
Speaker: Dr Christine Watson, SAC

3.00-4.00pm
A TASTE OF ORGANIC FOOD
Organic food tasting with some of Scotlands best organic producers

SAC Pavilion, Ingliston Showground
Stand 157/158, 7th Avenue
Further information from David Younie, SAC (tel 01224 711072)

SAC Organic Producer Event

Farm Walk
PROFITABLE ORGANIC ARABLE PRODUCTION

Tuesday 10th July 2007, 1.30pm
Pitgaveny Estate, Elgin
(Courtesy of Mr Sandy Dunbar)
Speaker: Martin Birse

Further information from David Younie, SAC (tel 01224 711072)

SAC Organic Producer Event

Farm Walk
OPTIMISING ORGANIC BEEF AND SHEEP PERFORMANCE FROM GRASS
Stocking rates, Clean grazing management, Live-weight gains

Thursday 2nd August 2007 , 1.30pm
Bushelhill, Abbey St Bathans, Duns, Berwickshire
(courtesy of Mr Duncan Shell)

For further details contact David Younie (01224 711072) or Moira Gallagher (01835 823322)

SAC ‘Success through Knowledge’ Organic Event

Farm Walk
PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC BEANS AND PEAS

Wednesday 8th August 2007, 1.30pm
SAC Craibstone Estate, Aberdeen

Speakers: Lawrence Morrice, David Younie (SAC)

Further information from David Younie, SAC (tel 01224 711072)

SAC Organic Farming Event for Business Professionals, Advisers and Producers

One-day Conference
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN ORGANIC FARMING

Wednesday 17TH October, 09.30am
Birnam Institute, Birnam, Dunkeld

Speakers: To be announced

Further information from Caroline Bayliss, SAC (tel 01224 711073)

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