Defra have confirmed that for grass and forage seed mixes to be sown during 2022, the minimum percentage inclusion rate for organic or in-conversion seed will remain at a 70%. Approved 70% mixes can be sown without prior derogation, but derogation approval must be gained prior to the annual inspection taking place.
It is not permissible for seed mixes to contain the same variety as organic and non-organic.
For Glastir Organic contracts due to end on 31 December 2021, in view of the positive environmental land management being delivered under that contract, RPW will be offering farmers the opportunity to continue receiving support under an annual Glastir Organic contract extension. The contract will commence on 1 January 2022 and end on 31 December 2022. A further 1-year extension to 31 December 2023 will be offered next year.
The extended Glastir Organic Contract will be published on producers RPW online accounts later this year. Once you receive your contract extension and if you wish to proceed with it, you will need to accept it via your RPW online account within 21 days of the contract extension offer being made. If you do not notify RPW your acceptance by this deadline, the offer will be withdrawn and your existing contract will expire on 31 December 2021.
If it is known that you will lose management control of land under the original contract or extension offer, RPW must be notified of those changes within 30 days of the change as that land must be removed from your contract extension offer. If there is land remaining under Glastir Organic contract, RPW are advising that you accept the extension offer within 21 days of that offer and that notification of contract amendments be sent via RPW Online by the 30 January 2022. There will be no Expressions of Interest windows for additional land to be entered into the Glastir Organic contract.