ORGANIC NEWSLETTER - Scottish Organic Producers Association

ORGANIC NEWSLETTER
September 2009
Another worrying harvest, but thank goodness September came when
it did. Grain will hopefully be in the shed and not needing too much
drying. Cereal markets are sluggish this year and there are some
innovative ideas under discussion—changing feed plans, sharing
grain storage, linking up with farmers rather than merchants. Last
year there were difficulties in getting grain uplifted in time for cattle to
come in to housing so please call me if you are worried it will recur
this year.
Reports are of a bumper grass year, with good silage yields and not
enough mouths on the grass. There is strong demand for cattle and
lambs and especially breeding sheep of any sort at the moment. If
you have any available please call the office as we have had to issue
derogations for replacements that we will not do if organic animals are
available.
Autumn sales look encouraging—already a strong interest in Dumfries
organic cattle on the 5th October, but don’t forget Thainstone on the
13th October and Dumfries sheep sale on Friday the 16th October.
Patronage is important as these markets set the price and gives the
industry a guide for trading value. Prime organic meat sales are quite
stable this year. For the first time we can remember, we haven’t had
any of complaints about difficulties selling autumn lambs. This just
shows how complex the organic market is—historically autumn supply
of organic lamb has exceeded demand and so why isn’t that
happening this year? Surely we would expect the economic downturn
to curb the demand for organic lamb, thus worsening the supply
situation? It seems there has been a lot of leakage to the conventional
market.
On the SRDP front the deadline for the November round is due so
with this we see the closing of applications for this year. The Scottish
Government will not release budget figures which is of concern to me.
The SRDP is becoming extremely competitive and it is clear that
standalone organic maintenance cannot score sufficient points. Each
round has a very distinct ’personality’ and this makes it difficult to
judge the situation. There is insufficient official guidance issued by
the Government and so we rely on heresay between agents and case
officers. The lack of training and low confidence continues amongst
many case officers. Added to this, SGRPID Area Offices are
under-resourced and struggle to cope with the additional workload of
Rural Priorities cases on top of their normal responsibilities. It is
extremely frustrating to complete the substantial work required to
submit a case, only to find the case officer doesn’t have time to score
it and so it won’t be ready to commit to the RPAC.
With Maggie Magee helping out with applications, we can advise you
on how to build a successful case that might have half a chance but it
remains evident that quality applications are essential and you need to
consider other options such as agri-environment, woodland, capital
investment or renewables to boost the proposal. Maggie’s expertise
means we can offer additional services to SOPA members such as
Woodland Plans, Moorland Management Plans, Soil Plans, Manure
Plans, Grazing Plans and other specific requirements under individual
options that can be included in the proposal to improve it. Each farm
is different and so individual advice is recommended—call me if you
want further information.
Debs
IN THIS ISSUE
Certification Corner 2
Organic Livestock 3
Scottish News 4
UK News 5
What is Nutrition? 6
Other News 7
Associate members 9-11
Classifieds 12
SOPA Contacts
Jane Ellis, Senior Manager (Technical, SOPA Scheme and
Certification) Tel 0131 335 6606 jane.ellis@sfqc.co.uk
Deborah Roberts, Development Manager Tel 0131 335 6619 or
0773322 8701 deborah.roberts@sfqc.co.uk
Joanna Sinclair, Certification Officer , Tel 0131 335 6606
joanna.sinclair@sfqc.co.uk
Alison Redfearn, Scheme Administrator Tel 0131 335 6606
alison.redfearn@sfqc.co.uk
Enquiries can also be directed to info@sopa.org.uk

CERTIFICATION CORNER
Informing SFQC/SOPA of Prosecutions to your
business
Please be reminded that according to the SFQC scheme regulations
under section 2, ‘Member/Applicant Obligations’, point 2.5,
SQFC/SOPA scheme members’ are obliged to ‘immediately notify
SFQC of any prosecutions or failure to comply with legislation of
which the member/applicant is aware of at the time of application
or becomes aware of relating to the operation of their business or
personnel/staff involved with the operation of their business.’
Once notified or if SFQC becomes aware of a prosecution or a
breach of legislation relating to a member/applicant’s business
‘SFQC shall be entitled to suspend membership/application immediately’.
In the event of a member/applicant being later convicted
of an offence ‘SFQC shall be entitled to suspend membership/
application with immediate effect, to accept undertakings from the
member/applicant or to take no further action.’
If you have misplaced your copy of the SFQC scheme regulations,
or are in any doubt regarding this issue please contact SOPA on
0131 335 6606.
Establishing a new Flock or Herd
We have had a few enquires regarding this issue recently so for
clarification….
Establishing a new flock or herd on an existing organic farm is no
easy matter as the organic standards must be adhered to when
bringing on new stock. Ideally organic stock should be purchased
in the first instance and SOPA can help source organic
replacements.
The percentages for replacement stock may be increased from
10% (for cattle) and 20% (for sheep) up to 40% following
agreement in advance by SFQC/SOPA, but only in the following
special cases:
1. When a major extension to the farm is undertaken
2. When a breed is changed
3. When a new livestock specialisation is developed.
(See SOPA standard 3.2.6 for more details.)
This therefore means when establishing a new flock or herd on an
organic farm
• 40% can be purchased non-organically but must be
nulliparous (not have had any offspring previously)
• 60% must be organic or converted breeding stock
Producers are strongly advised to seek guidance on the
application if these standards from the office at a very early stage.
Therefore please ring the SOPA office and speak to either Jane or
Joanna (your Certification Officers).
Certifying Merchants
In the last newsletter we told you about changes under the new EU
Reg to Organic wholesaling and storage of produce in the food
supply chain. There is now clarification that the organic regulation
will apply to hay/straw and cereal merchants—indeed any third
party who takes ownership of an organic product between the farm
and further processing.
It is now a legal requirement for grain merchants who take title of
organic cereals to be certified. It is the responsibility of the purchaser
to ensure that each step of the supply chain has the correct
certification in place.
If you are purchasing organic feedstuffs including silage, hay, cereals
or pulses from a trade merchant it is your responsibility to ensure that
they are certified.
Remember the rule: all purchases should be accompanied with a
valid organic certificate. For clarification ask them to contact SOPA.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your suppliers have the
necessary certification in place, if not your organic status is at risk.
SOPA Assessments
Please be reminded that at your annual SOPA inspection your
assessors needs to be able to verify all inputs and outputs to your
organic business. The only way to do this is to see your invoices
and accounts to do a type of mass balance.
Our letter that is posted out to you prior to all assessments states
clearly; “Please ensure that the information described below is
made available to the assessor. Financial Records All purchases
and sales invoices, including VAT book.”
If for any reason you do not have these accounts available please
make sure that you either let your assessor know at the time he is
setting up your assessment date or if the assessment is already
arranged contact him/her direct (details at the bottom of our letter)
to arrange an alternative date, or contact the SOPA office directly.
Please do not let our assessors turn up for an assessment if you
do not have all the relevant information available for him/her to
complete their assessment as you could be charged for the cost of
an additional inspection.
DEROGATIONS
Please remember to call the office about derogations PRIOR to bringing anything that is not organic onto organic land. You
risk the status of your land if you do not speak to the office for clarification on derogations.
2

Organic Livestock
Non Ruminants
Feedstuffs
Pig and Poultry
Standards
The non-organic feed allowance goes down from 10% to 5% as of 1st
January 2010.
The only permitted non-organic feedstuffs are from the Green list—the
Green list developed in the 1990’s in the lead up to the 100% regulation
that was introduced on 1st January 2008. It is a list of feedstuffs that
are the only permitted non-organic ingredients in organic livestock
rations.
If you operate on feed contracts or will be
purchasing bulk feeds in the near future that will
supply you over the New Year, please remind your
organic supplier that the feeds will need to be
compliant to the 5%.
10% rations will not be able to be fed to organic
pigs or poultry after the 31st December 2009.
Bluetongue Update
All livestock keepers in Scotland are urged to continue being
vigilant for bluetongue.
The Scottish Government expects the transmission period to
end by November when winter conditions reduce the risk of
midge activity.
As we near the end of the vector period, please ensure your
vaccinations are up to date and recorded in your vetmed book.
All of Scotland (except Shetland) is under compulsory
vaccination against BTV8 and so all animals need to be
vaccinated before they are 6 months old. If an animal is over
three months old but less than 6, and is being moved off the
holding it should be vaccinated prior to the off-movement.
You should record your vetmeds for all animals that move off
your holding and complete the organic Livestock Transfer
Document as you usually would. Declare the BTV8
vaccinations on the Livestock Transfer Document.
At the moment, booster vaccinations are still required to be
administered before next spring.
Procedures to
follow when selling
at Auction
As a number of Autumn
organic store and breeding
sales approach, please be
reminded of what you must
do to present your animals
for sale at the market.
1. Book the animals in a timely manner. This is important
because the Auctioneers have to supply SOPA with a full list of
sellers to be cross checked for organic status PRIOR to the
sale. Let the market know your SOPA number.
2. Arrive at the market in plenty of time. Organic animals have
to be penned separately and it takes the mart staff additional
time to ensure separation controls are met. Paperwork also
needs to be verified.
3. Supply your own organic feeding if animals are to be
penned for more than a few hours.
4. Have your paperwork in order. This includes all passports,
eartag records and Livestock Transfer Documents correctly
filled in and signed. All sellers also need to provide a current
organic certificate for the livestock being sold, and state clearly
which animals are converted breeding stock.
LFA Livestock Keepers
You should have received a form to complete
and return to your local RPID Area Office.
The Scottish Government is working to a new
LFASS in 2010 and information is required to
show active farmers who may be eligible.
You must return this form by the 2nd October
BCMS Online Reporting
BCMS are changing the way users log on to report cattle movements, births and deaths on the CTS Online website. You will need to
use a Government Gateway ID from the 6th October 2009. Government Gateway is a single point of entry to communicate online with
government agencies. If you do not have a Government gateway, telephone the Rural Payments Online Helpdesk 0845
601 7597 to get registered.
Keepers with multiple holdings can enrol as can Agents who report on your behalf.
If you already log online to submit IACS or other Scottish Government claims (LMOs, RSS, CPS, SBCS, RPs) you will have a
Government Gateway ID. Go to CTS Online http://www.bcms.gov.uk/ and follow the instructions to enrol.
3

SAC NEWS
Organic Market Link Project
I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to complete the annual Organic Market Link (OML)
Producer Survey 2009 / 2010 and to add a plea and a bit of encouragement to those of you who have yet to
return theirs to me. As a group we need to co-operate together to expand market development for the all
organic sectors. There is an increased interest and awareness of the value of locally (especially organic)
produced food and Scotland should be proactive with regard to this. To enable Scotland to be proactive it is
important that we know what is being produced in each sector to enable us to go forward into new market
development with hard data rather than anecdotal information. Your continued participation in the
OML Project is essential; it provides information that really makes a difference and enables positive change.
Please remember, I cannot continue to help improve organic marketing if I don’t know what, when and how
much you have produced. It is impossible to emphasise enough just how invaluable the market intelligence
gained from the previous five surveys has already been to the sector as a whole, so please get those
surveys filled in and returned to me asap. If you have not received a copy of this years survey please get in
touch with me and I will forward one to you.
Caroline Shahin (nee Bayliss)
Organic Farming Consultant, SAC Consulting, Craibstone Estate, Aberdeen AB21 9YA
Tel: 01224 711073, Fax: 01224 711293, Email: caroline.shahin@sac.co.uk
Post Graduate Studies in Organic Farming
As a new intake of students gather at Craibstone to commence their MSc and Post
graduate of Organic Farming, Programme Leader Dr Norman Stephen has been
awarded a special commendation for a Lifetime Achievement in Teaching.
Norman has dedicated 25 years to helping and teaching students in Environmental
and Organic studies. His efforts in co-ordinating the postgraduate course was
recognised by SAC Principal Bill McKelvey, who said that the course enjoyed an
excellent reputation with academics and the industry.
Congratulations from the SOPA team (alumni and current)
Dr Norman Stephen,
Scottish Organic Forum
Under the previous administration the Scottish organic industry
worked with SEERAD through the Scottish Organic Stakeholders
Group.
When the SNP took government in 2007 there were a number of
changes in the way the Government worked with stakeholders
and in the structure of the government itself. This left the Organic
Stakeholders Group defunct.
So a new group was formed in 2008 to meet regularly and to
progress the development of organic food in Scotland. This group
has been called the Scottish Organic Forum and is a key route of
partnership with the Scottish Government
Currently the Forum is writing a new Scottish Organic Action Plan.
The 2003 Action Plan expired in 2007 but as an industry we felt
we needed a framework that would guide government policy in
helping the industry grow.
MEMBERS
Scottish Government
SOPA
SAC
SAOS
Soil Association
SOMPA
CalOrg
Mathesons Pigs
Environment LINK
Other organisations such as NFUS, Scottish
Retail Consortium attend by invitation of the
members
The new Organic Action Plan will be available for consultation
next year.
4

UK NEWS
English Organic Fraud Prosecution
DEFRA Publish 2008 UK Organic statistics
2008 statistics on the UK Organic food industry were originally
published last month, but have been revised and reissued due to
an error in calculations of in-conversion land.
The figures refer to organic production in the UK for the year 2008
and shows the total organic area in Scotland is 231,341ha, 4.1% of
the total agricultural area.
There are 889 organically certified businesses in Scotland which
includes producers and processors. This is an increase of 3.4%
from 2007.
In the UK there are nearly 320,000 head of cattle (up 27.6%), 1.2
million sheep (up 36.5%), and just over 71,000 pigs (up 41%).
Numbers have declined in organic poultry: down 1.8% to 4.4
million and goats are also down 24% to 409
Defra only collects these statistics once a year and so there is a
delay of some months before the figures are reported. It is a legal
requirement that the certification bodies report anonymised data to
Defra every January.
DEFRA have also revised their website.
The new organic information pages can be found at
The directors of an organic food processing company
Swaddle Organics, selling under the ONEfood label, were
sentenced for fraud. Company Director Neil Stansfield was
sentenced to 27 months imprisonment for buying
supermarket foods, repackaging them and selling them on
under an organic label. Two other directors were found to be
complicit and received suspended sentences and community
service.
It doesn’t happen often, but this is a prime example of why
there is a legal framework for the production and processing
of organic food. Food cannot be sold under an organic label
unless it has been inspected and audited at every stage of its
production or processing—and this includes repackaging.
In all cases of organic fraud, it is the local Trading Standards
who have the enforcement responsibility. Investigations will
be made by the local TSO, usually in close conjunction with
the organic certification body. In this case it was found that
Swaddles had been falsifying records and accounts for more
than five years. Paper trails were tampered with and
computer systems deliberately altered to hide non-organic
purchases of ingredients that were processed and then sold
as organic.
This fraud highlights the need for protecting the integrity of
the organic product. Organic food is law, not just an airy
fairy claim. This fraud is justification of all the paperwork and
record keeping that is required to authenticate the organic
label. As we well know, the inspection process is rigorous,
far more rigorous than other food quality assurance
schemes. Without a robust audit we have no proof of the
organic label.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/growing/organic/index.htm
ORGANIC TRADE BOARD
You may have heard of the new organic industry group that has been set up to develop, promote and support organic trade
in the UK. It is a group of organic businesses that have ambitious targets for the UK organic industry.
The key focus of the OTB work in the imminent future is to secure funding for a bid for EU funding to promote organic food in the retail
market. This EU Bid is co-ordinated by SuSTAIN, the Alliance for Food and Farming. http://www.sustainweb.org
A generic marketing & PR campaign to promote the ORGANIC brand – market research shows people want clear information about
the benefits of organic
The Aims of campaign are to:
1. Tell consumers what organic means
2. Tell consumers the benefits of organic food
3. Encourage consumption of organic products
Further information and progress on the OTB can be found at the website
http://www.organictradeboard.co.uk/
Organic Trade Board, The Saxon Centre, 11 Bargates, Christchurch BH23 1PZ
Tel: +44 1202 486245 Fax: +44 1202 496645
5

What is Nutrition?
There have been two recent studies that have raised
questions on the nutritional content of organic food. The
first was published by the London School of Hygiene and
Tropical Medicine as commissioned by the UK Food
Standards Agency. The report was received with great
media interest and generated a global outcry. I’m sure
you heard about it.
I would not be surprised if you didn’t hear about the
second study because it came to a different conclusion.
SOPA has always been clear that organic food should not
be sold with labels or promotional messages that make
false claims about health or nutritional content. Labelling
is a key issue that you must get right … see the SOPA
Labelling Guidance included with this issue. Marketing
messages must be proven in fact, not broad statements
that cannot be defended.
Our interpretation of the FSA study is that after initial
dismay, the backlash has actually shown that the science
was poor and in fact consumers buy organic food for a
number of reasons, not just a perception of health. The
media got hold of a story and ran it without checking the
full facts.
FSA Nutrition Review
The Food Standards Agency set strict criteria for the
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to
conduct the desk top review. They looked at the levels of
nitrogen, Vitamin C, phenolic compounds, magnesium,
calcium, phosphorus, Zinc, total soluble solids, copper
and tritratable acidity. The researchers found organic
food contained higher levels of phenolic compounds,
magnesium, zinc, flavonoids, sugars, dry matter, tritratable
acidity and phosphorus. The statistical differences
were minor and so not picked up by the media. The study
clearly came to the conclusion that further research is
needed to provide a more definitive result and that the
science conducted to date is not sufficient enough to
provide a definitive answer.
So what deficiencies in the study were there?
Firstly, the desk top review found that research that had
been conducted was in most cases decidedly not
thorough. The study subject groups were too small—
sometimes only 20 people, studies did not quote the
specific cultivars of crops they were comparing, and the
review had to discount a number of studies that could not
verify the organic certification of the foods sampled.
A criticism of the FSA Nutrition Review was that it
excluded by date significant research into organic food
conducted by the QLIF project. The QLIF Project
involves more than thirty-one research institutions,
companies and universities throughout Europe and
beyond, focusing on quality, food safety and costs in
organic and "low input" food supply chains.
It has published results that showed higher levels of nutritionally
desirable compounds such as vitamins, anti-oxidants and
omega-3, and lower levels of nutritionally undesirable
compounds such as heavy metals, mycotoxins and pesticide
residues in organic food.
Pesticide residues were excluded from the FSA desk top
review. The FSA decided on this occasion that pesticides do not
contribute to the nutrition quality of food. However, for
consumers who seek to reduce pesticide intake, organic food is
the only choice.
In addition the review did not take into consideration public health
or environmental benefits of organic production methods such as
animal welfare and biodiversity benefits.
If the FSA says they are for "consumer choice" then they must
urge consumers to find out more about their food, where it comes
from and how it is produced. In many cases buying organic can
actually save you money. There are proportionally high numbers
of organic farmers selling direct through websites, farmers
markets and farm shops, and these outlets can be good value for
money because the middleman has been removed from the
supply chain.
DID YOU KNOW…
Titratable acidity is a
measure of how much acid is
in food. It is commonly
found in fruit juices and is a
key factor in wine making.
The AFSSA Review
Earlier this month, the French equivalent of the Food Standards
Agency, AFSSA, published a review of nutritional comparisons
conducted by Denis Lairon of the University of Marseilles.
The AFSSA Review concluded that organic plant products
contain more dry matter and minerals such as iron and
magnesium, and more antioxidants such as phenols and salicylic
acid. Unlike the authors of the FSA study, Lairon did look at food
safety. He concluded that between 94 and 100 per cent of
organic food does not contain any pesticide residues, and
organic vegetables have about 50 per cent less nitrates. Organic
plant products are denser, containing more dry matter.
Antioxidants such as phenols and salicylic acid are higher.
Organic cereals have similar levels of mycotoxins to conventional
cereals. Organic animal products were seen to have more
polyunsaturated fats. Data on carbohydrate, protein and vitamin
levels are insufficiently documented. So again, there are
deficiencies in the science.
Our message is that consumers can trust certified organic food
for many important reasons, not just perceived benefits based on
a restricted desk top review looking at only part of the available
evidence. And there is a lot of research work to be done.
6

Peelham Farm is
Scotland’s
“sustainable
best”
Peelham Farm (SOPA 822) has scooped the 2009 Future
Farmer Award.
Award judge David Younie was quick to praise the 680
acre Berwickshire enterprise, which supplies beef, lamb
and pork to local markets: “As well as producing stunning
food, Peelham is resilient, low carbon, and shows great
imagination in the way it engages with customers.”
The Future Farmer Award is supported by the Elizabeth
Murray Trust and Scottish Natural Heritage and
recognises exceptional achievement in sustainable
farming in Scotland. Award winners receive a cash sum
of £4,000, and a package of support, to enable them to
share their skills and success with other land managers.
Mr Younie said: “As Future Farmer Award winners,
Peelham will be throwing open their gates - I hope that
Scotland’s farmers and policymakers will jump at the
opportunity to come and see farming at its sustainable
best.”
Jim McLaren, President of the National Farmers’ Union of
Scotland, presented the annual gong to partners Chris &
Denise Walton and Amanda Cayley.
Mr McLaren said: “Peelham Farm demonstrates that
Scotland’s farmers are rising to the twin challenges of
climate change and increasing costs of farm inputs. I’m
delighted that this award not only recognises what the
Waltons have accomplished, but makes it possible for
them to disseminate their knowledge and expertise.”
Peelham butcher their own meat and sell their award
winning products – including Scotland’s only field-raised
beef veal - direct to hotels, restaurants, shops and
consumers fifty two weeks a year. Customers know who
is producing their food, and Peelham enjoy a diverse and
loyal customer base, insulated from middlemen and
commodity markets.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment,
Richard Lochhead said “Peelham Farm is a wonderful
example of the win-win situations possible for farmers
and land managers. Not only are they improving farming
inputs and business resilience, they are adopting
measures to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions –
something which will benefit us all.
Are you an organic food business interested in accessing
retail and wholesale food and drink markets?
If so then SALSA could be for you!
SFQC has recently been awarded a Market Development
Scheme grant by the Scottish Government to provide a
SALSA support programme throughout Scotland.
SALSA is a low cost sustainable scheme to help local
producers meet the standards buyers demand and give
them confidence to trade with them. SALSA was
developed by a partnership of the National Farmers Union,
Food and Drink Federation, British Hospitality Association
and BRC. It was piloted in Scotland in 2006 and launched
in March 2007. There are currently over 1500 registered
members in the UK with 64 in Scotland. Of these, 30 in
Scotland are currently SALSA approved.
Producers register with SALSA, download the standard and
initially benchmark themselves against the standard via a
self-assessment.
Usually food producers need assistance via mentoring to
meet the SALSA standard and prepare for audit. This MDS
supported programme will allow SFQC to provide 3-4 days
of mentoring for the price of 1 - £500. In addition
organisations such as Scottish Enterprise (SE), Highlands
and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Seafish have indicated
that they may also be able to assist businesses towards
their individual contribution.
More information on SALSA is available at
www.salsafood.co.uk.
If you would be interested in finding out more about this
programme please contact Anita Feely on 0131 335 6624
or via email to anita.feely@sfqc.co.uk.
SOPA added their congratulations saying that the
Waltons had invested a huge amount into their organic
business and being Future Farmer2009 is a just reward
and recognition of their efforts.
7

ALBA TREES NURSERY
Alba Trees plc is delighted to have been invited to become Associate Members
of SOPA.
We are a nursery located in East Lothian, near Haddington , producing cellgrown
stock. Our product range includes trees, shrubs, hedging, wild-flowers
and reeds. We specialise in native species of known local provenance and sell
some seven million plants per year.
This year we have celebrated our 21st birthday and passed the milestone of
100 million plants delivered.
We also sell tree shelters, stakes and planting equipment.
Cell-grown planting stock is different from bare-rooted plants in that the roots
are protected in the compost plug in which they were raised on the nursery.
This confers several important benefits:
• They can be planted almost all-year round
• They will achieve maximum establishment, hence minimum
“beating-up”
• They will not “check” on planting, hence rapid early growth
• They are very easy to plant well, each plant having an identical
root plug
Cell grown plants will stay fresh until planted, even if delayed for several weeks
or even months
Our trees and hedging plants are graded in height, generally as 20-40 and 40-
60 cms.
We also grow a range of trees in larger containers, up to 1.5 metres in height.
We deliver throughout the UK, either on our own transport or overnight carrier.
Please visit our website to “meet “ the team and for a virtual nursery tour.
Or call the sales office to discuss your requirements and get a quotation.
Alba Trees plc, Lower Winton, Gladsmuir, East Lothian, EH33 2AL
Tel: 01620 825058 Fax: 01620 825316
e.mail sales@albatrees.co.uk www.albatrees.co.uk
We are your first port of call for any new
SRDP plantings—new woodlands,
woodland restoration, hedging, gapping
up and all planting supplies.
8

Aston Horticulture
Aston products are a cost-effective
method of growing crops with zero
residues in a sustainable way, reducing or
eliminating the need for chemical
treatment.
Much success has been achieved with garlicbased
natural products and further opportunities
for horticulture to improve its green credentials lie
ahead, especially in the production of edible crops
including soft and top fruit, protected salads and
field vegetables.
At Aston Horticulture we offer a range of garlic
based products for specific and general use for
those in commercial horticulture.
Growers must adhere to the protocols that have
been developed for success with our products –
this is not a quick-approach cure but rather a more
prophylactic approach. Prevention of fungal and
insect attack is the key to maintaining productive
plant growth and appearance, providing the grower
with healthy edible crops and good environmental
credentials.
Use of garlic in conjunction with integrated biological crop management
leads to a much reduced reliance on conventional pesticides, with benefits
of reduction or elimination of pesticide residues in the resultant food.
If growers are prepared to move forward, we can help them through the
changes necessary for the garlic approach to become beneficial and
successful in this commercial and public sector of UK horticulture.
Approved for Use in Organic Systems
Soil Association (Organic) Licence Number: I7871
Organic Farmers & Growers Registration Number: UKE0337
CONTACT
Hugh Struth
Tel: +44 (0)370 350 6250 Fax: +44 (0)370 350 6251
Email: sales@astonhorticulture.com
www.astonhorticulture.com
OUR PRODUCTS
ASTON ANTHYLLIS
The Industry Standard.
A higher sulphur content
product for healthy
agricultural and horticultural
crops.
ASTON RABITOF
An efficient and effective
natural protective blend of
garlic and gustatory juices.
Acts as a barrier against rabbits,
deer, crows and pigeons.
ASTON GARSHIELD
A unique blend of garlic,
seaweed and citrus juice for use
when conditions are conductive
to fungal diseases.
Immediate results.
ASTON SEA BREEZE
Highly concentrated, cold
pressed seaweed for growth
stimulation.
ASTON TREE WASH
For use on fruit trees and bushes to
help grow healthy, beautiful fruits
and maximise yields.
9

Quality organic seed for professional growers
Field vegetables and salad crops
Independent UK seedhouse
For details of our range of seeds see our website www.elsoms.com and see
our new organic catalogue. Please contact us if you require a hard
copy.
Spalding, Lincolnshire. PE11 1QG
Tel 01775 715000 Fax 01775 715001 www.elsoms.com seed@elsoms.com

Get The Healthiest Plants, Crops and
Animals Ever!
Packed full of all the natural levels of minerals, vitamins and trace elements, Böd
Ayre’s Seaweed Feeds gives your Animals and Plants the very best nutrition that
Mother Nature provides.
I am very pleased with your Sea-Lik buckets – we had 98% calving this year.
Organic Farm Manager outside Dundee
The products are excellent for Organic Farmers and the standard of service from Böd Ayre is first class.
Estate Manager, Farmer, Perthshire
We were very pleased with our first year trial of the seaweed extract on our
organic potato crop. We would definitely recommend the seaweed for healthier and stronger plants that
are more able to fight blight infection.
Rosie, Grewar’s Potatoes, Perthshire
NEW IMPROVED SEA-LIK BUCKETS - NOW WITH MORE
SEAWEED MEAL!!
BUY 1 TONNE SEA-LIK BUCKETS £849.50
INCLUDING DELIVERY
BUY 1 TONNE SEAWEED MEAL £885.00
INCLUDING DELIVERY
BUY 1000 LITRES SEA-X SEAWEED EXTRACT
£1400 DELIVERED.
Böd Ayre Products Limited
‘Hamnavoe’ Lunnaness Vidlin Shetland ZE2 9QF
Tel/Fax: 01806577328 Mobile: 07776070028
Email: enquiries@seaweedproducts.co.uk
More news from Böd Ayre ……………..
Scientists from the University of Leeds have joined up with a number of partners including the Body Shop, in a research
project looking at safer hair dyes and cosmetics.
Böd Ayre are supplying their Shetland seaweed to the University in trials investigating how body products full of natural
compounds can be substituted for synthetic products commonly found on the market. Many compounds in existing
products are allergens and certain chemicals, notably p-phenylenediamine (PPD), have been linked to more serious longterm
health effects.
Researching the natural compounds in Shetland’s seaweed could bring safe cosmetics that are environmentally friendly
and from sustainable sources.
"This could bring commercial and job opportunities to Shetland for a new high-value farming industry. It would be much
better to extract the seaweed on Shetland rather than shipping elsewhere for processing," said Margaret Blance from Böd
Ayre.

CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE
Organic Barley - Oxbridge in shed at 13% approx 70
tonnes for sale, Nr Duns, Berwickshire. (SOPA 1016)
07966 171 524 m@kidshielhaugh.com
200 bales of grass silage available in the Scottish
Borders area (Lauder) Tel John Runciman on Mob
07977 774882
Lease of organic walled garden in Pentcaitland.
(current lease ends in January 2010). All enquiries
to Richard Burnett Mobile 07765 776 742
Organic Grazing for 500 lambs (from one holding)
on approx 500 acres (in 10 enclosures); all fenced
and watered with supervision available if required.
Grazing available from 1st October until 31st January.
Tel Gordon Morrison (Soil Assoc) Keith, Aberdeenshire
Tel: 01542 860238 or Mobile 07767
834198
For sale. 100% organic Sheep cobs. 15% and 12%
Protein. 20kg bags. Dried grass chop (suitable for
all stock). 17.5 kg bags, Protein 15% and 12%. All
above feeds classified as "forage". Tel James Halley
07703 528100
For Sale, 1st quality organic haylage in round bales
D&L Orr SOPA 315 Harthill 01501 751288
For sale, Fully Organic Bulling heifers Simmental
and Limousin crosses, 18 months old. Contact W
Halley & Son Crieff Tel: 07760 227 607
Approx 50 tons Feed barley for sale. Dried to 15%
Ready for uplift. Contact Stuart Rennie on 07747
428463 or email stuartandlornarennie@tiscali.co.uk
SOPA no.908
For Sale Barley, malt quality, clean, bold and
golden. 67kg/hl PLUS Feed Beans, clean and bold.
PLUS Feed Wheat, Good, clean. Available from 25kg
to 500kg or full loads. Delivery negotiable. Contact
Andy Cadzow 07768 938 470 SOPA 901
Any northern organic farmers looking for cheaper &
convenient livestock feeding? I have a small
tonnage of organic barley I can supply in tonne
bags. Hoping to harvest in September. Call David
Hymers, Thurso (SOPA 839) to discuss options.
Mobile 07742 752 594
Approx 100 strong BF ewes for sale. Accredited -
correct - 5 yrs old SOPA 690 Rory Cameron 07786
381396
Organic barely, wheat, oats and beans for sale. Can
Deliver. Contact Billy Fotheringham mobile 07831
889 525
Organic store lambs urgently required to
satisfy clients demand
Also
Organic store cattle and all classes of organic
primestock required
For further details contact:
Douglas Guild 07764 464371
George Purves 07740 877699
Anna Scougall 07831 380335
Peter Wood 07813 982063
Richard Close 07769 644690
Wanted
Mule ewe lambs or virgin gimmers wanted. Tel Stephen
Anderson (SOPA 403) on mobile number 07734 798460
Store lambs required - up to 200. Will buy hill type lambs,
from anywhere north of Perth. Call Alick
Hendry (SOPA 991) on 01343 547 082.
Climate Change Programme – Open to all
Thursday 5 th November Anaerobic Digester Event, Turriff
A technical session in the morning will look at how AD works; understanding planning
and cost issues; setting up joint-venture AD co-operative plants; and
selling to the grid and funding. With presentations from SAC, WRAP and RPID. The day
will also include a visit to the Rennie's, Gask Farm, Turriff which has
an AD unit using pig slurry and abattoir waste to produce hot water, electricity, and a high
nitrogen fertilizer which is used to grow their cereals, which in turn are
feed to their pigs. The cost is £40.00 plus VAT
Contact Lyn Matheson 0131 666 0847
This newsletter is published by
Scottish Organic Producers Association, SFQC,
Royal Highland Centre,
10th Avenue, Ingliston, EH28 8NF
Tel 0131 335 6606 Fax 0131 335 6601
www.sopa.org.uk info@sopa.org.uk
Scottish Food Quality Certification (SFQC) and SOPA
has made every effort to ensure that the information contained in this Newsletter is accurate. No legal responsibility is accepted for errors, omissions
or misleading statements in that information caused by negligence or otherwise. No responsibility is accepted in regard to the standing of
any firms, companies or individuals mentioned in this Newsletter.
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