FARMERS looking to go organic can now apply for support from the Welsh Government.

The application window for the Organic Farming Conversion Scheme (OFCS) opened on Monday and will close on November 4.

It is available to producers who began, or will begin, conversion between January 2, 2011, and January 1, 2012.

Priority will be given to farmers converting arable land.

Second bite of the cherry will go to existing organic scheme agreement holders wanting to convert additional land.

Other bids meeting the 3ha minimum area eligibility will then be considered on the basis of smallest area first.

Deputy farming minister Alun Davies said: “Many people who buy organic food also want to buy local food, so I am pleased to continue to support farmers to help them satisfy the demands of Welsh consumers.”

One advocate of the OFCS is Trealy Farm, Monmouthshire. Owner Ruth Tudor said: “Although we don’t expect too much of a premium for our lambs, more efficient use of resources has meant we have reduced our input costs to practically nothing.”

Details are on the organic page of the Welsh Government website and from Organic Centre Wales.