We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Set cookie preferences

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Publication - Statistics

Organic Farming in Scotland: 2024

Published
14 August 2025
From
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate, +1 more … Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic
Farming and rural

Statistics on organic land use, crop areas, livestock and the number of organic operators.

First published: 14 August 2025.

Part of

Supporting documents

Organic land area

Land area farmed organically increased in 2024 

In 2024, the total organic land area in Scotland was 132,000 hectares, a 13% increase compared with 2023, and a 44% increase compared with 2018. The total organic area is made up of fully organic land (105,000 hectares) and organic land in-conversion (27,000 hectares). 

Fully organic land is land which is fully converted and has met organic standards, as set by the UK’s Organic Control Bodies in accordance with UK regulations. In Scotland, the fully organic land area was 105,000 hectares in 2024, an increase of 1.4% compared with 2023, and an increase of 26% compared with 2018. Fully organic land accounted for 2.0% of Scotland’s total agricultural area in 2024. 

Figure 1: Land area farmed organically in Scotland, 2018 to 2024.

A line graph with three lines representing the change in area over time of total organic area, fully organic area, and in-conversion organic area. All three variables have increased between 2018 and 2024 which are the x axis limitations of the chart. The y axis limitations are 0 and 150,000 hectares. There is significantly more fully organic area compared to in-conversion organic area across all years.

 

Land in-conversion increased in 2024 

Prior to land being considered fully organic, it undergoes a conversion process. In 2024, Scotland had 27,000 hectares in-conversion – around double the 2023 figure, and over triple the 2018 figure. Organic land in-conversion can fluctuate year-on-year and 2024 saw a large increase in Eastern Scotland.  

The area of land in-conversion expressed as a percentage of the total organic land area can give an indication of the potential growth in the organic sector. In 2024, organic land in-conversion constituted 20% of the total organic land in Scotland, up from 11% in 2023, and 9% in 2018, suggesting growth of the organic sector. 

Contact

agric.stats@gov.scot

Back to top