OR2: Organic conversion – unimproved permanent grassland

How much will be paid

£96 per hectare (ha) per year for up to 2 years

Where to use this option

Available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier and Higher Tier Whole parcel

Only on:

• land registered as ‘in conversion’ with a Defra-licensed organic control body by 15 May in the year when the option starts in the agreement
• unimproved permanent grassland and rough grazing that is below the moorland line

Where this option cannot be used

• On parcels that have previously been registered with an organic control body by the applicant
• On parcels for which the applicant has previously received conversion aid

Related Mid Tier options

The Organic management, unimproved permanent grassland option (OT2), should follow on from this option, when the organic conversion period is completed. Other Countryside Stewardship options and supplements relevant to grassland management may be used on the same land area where eligibility rules allow.

How this option will benefit the environment

This option supports conversion of unimproved grassland to organic management. If successful there will be an increase in the overall area of land registered and managed as organic.

Aims

If you’re selected for a site visit, we will check that delivery of the aims is being met and the prohibited activities have not been carried out. This will ensure the environmental benefits are being delivered.

Using the Conversion plan as agreed with an organic control body, for the land and associated stock, Organic standards will be followed from the start of organic conversion to the end of the agreement.

All land will complete conversion and be registered as ‘fully organic’ before the end of the agreement.

Prohibited activities

To achieve the aims and deliver the environmental benefits across the whole parcel, do not carry out any of the following activities:

• None

On your annual claim you will be asked to declare that you have not carried out any prohibited activities.

Recommended management

To assist you in achieving the aims and deliver the environmental benefits for this option, we recommend that you employ best practice.

• Please refer to Aims, Prohibited activities and Additional guidance and advice

Keeping records

Where there is uncertainty about whether the aims of the options have been delivered, we will take into account any records or evidence you may have kept demonstrating delivery of the aims of the option. This will include any steps you’ve taken to follow the recommended management set out above. It’s your responsibility to keep such records if you want to rely on these to support your claim.

• A copy of the conversion plan agreed with the organic control body
• A fully completed viability plan and evidence land is improved permanent grassland or rough grazing

If you have undertaken a viability assessment with your application, you must start your organic conversion process and submit a copy of the conversion plan (agreed with the organic control body) if requested. You will need to supply a valid organic certificate and schedule for all the parcels entered into this option on your annual payment claim if requested.

Additional guidance and advice

The following advice is helpful, but they are not requirements for this item.

Unimproved grassland

To qualify as unimproved grassland, at least 2 of the following need to apply.

• Cover of both ryegrass and white clover is less than 10%
• The sward is species rich (more than 15 species per square metre, including grasses)
• There is a high cover (more than 30%) of wildflowers and sedges, excluding white clover, creeping buttercup or injurious weeds Non-agricultural features or areas may be eligible as part of the option area if registered with a control body.

Biodiversity

This option has been identified as being beneficial for biodiversity. All Countryside Stewardship habitat creation, restoration and management options are of great significance for biodiversity recovery, as are the wide range of arable options in the scheme. Capital items and supplements can support this habitat work depending on the holding’s situation and potential.

The connectivity of habitats is also very important and habitat options should be linked wherever possible. Better connectivity will allow wildlife to move/colonise freely to access water, food, shelter and breeding habitat, and will allow natural communities of both animals and plants to adapt in response to environmental and climate change.

Further information

Read Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage to find out more information about Mid Tier and Higher Tier including how to apply.