Dumelow International Ltd, an established UK-based seller of reconditioned tractors, have commented on news that organic farmers in England could be in line to receive improved payments under the new CAP regime.

Despite Defra announcing that they’re going to cut payments to farmers who switch to organic production once the new-look rural development payment programme takes effect in 2016, they say that in some cases payments made under the Countryside Stewardship programme would be more than triple.

The programme was last month approved by the EU Commission and will see farmers receive substantially less than previously for converting rotational land. Where before it was £478/ha, in future that number will fall to £175/ha.

Chief executive of Organic Farmers & Growers, Roger Kerr, said: “Defra’s initial plan to have high conversion rates and low maintenance payments would have unbalanced existing organic producers and risked encouraging people to convert to organic to make money before leaving at the earliest opportunity.

“The payment rates aren’t huge, but considering the amount of cost-cutting the UK government is facing it is a good result. It has been clear for some years that across the EU the organic sector is continuing to grow throughout the recession. Now we are also seeing growth in the UK again it is important our government also supports British organic farmers.”

Dumelow, one of the country’s biggest sellers of reconditioned tractors, regularly react to agricultural and tractor news. They believe the payments will benefit the organic sector.

A representative for Dumelow said: “Organic farming is one of the few things that has remained strong in the last few years, even when farming in a general sense has struggled, so it makes sense to streamline the programme in an effort to better support farmers in the UK.

“The extra money can also be used to contribute towards resources and equipment, helping new organic growers to achieve better harvests. It’s no surprise more and more farmers are giving organic farming real consideration and it can only be good for the economy and environment.”

Dumelow International Limited was formed in 1996. They specialise in reconditioning Massey Ferguson tractors and exporting them around the world, including shipping to Africa. Visit www.dumelow.co.uk to browse their range of agricultural machinery.