Organic Ambitions: Scotland's organic action plan 2016-2020

What is Organic?

"Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved." ^[1]

Organic food and drink is the only food quality label with internationally recognised standards. It is governed by a rigorous regulatory framework. ^[2]

Organic food and farming makes a valuable contribution to the Scottish economy and society through revenue generation and employment. It also leads to wider environmental benefits such as encouraging biodiversity, tackling climate change through reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving soils and protecting our air and water. These benefits are all recognised by the Scottish Government. Organic farming has been a national priority in the Scottish Rural Development Programme since 2011, and this organic plan is referred to in the 2015 - 16 Programme for Government. ^[3]

Definition of value

The term "value" is used throughout this document in connection with the benefits delivered by organic food and farming. It is used in a much broader sense than purely financial value. Genuine public value involves achieving the best balance of cost, quality, health, and environmental sustainability (as outlined in the Scottish Government's Becoming a Good Food Nation paper). ^[4]

Definition of produce

The term "produce" is used in its widest sense to cover not only food, but also drink, textiles, timber and other items processed from the raw materials grown on organic farms.