HARD-HIT dairy farmers are being urged to take a fresh look at the organic farming options as the Glastir Organic 2016 application window opened on Monday.

A leading Welsh organic brand based in Pembrokeshire welcomed the Glastir announcement by the Welsh Government and urged farmers to take a fresh look at the commercial opportunities as it aims to recruit new suppliers.

Established in 2000, Narberth-based Calon Wen flies the flag for the Welsh organic dairy sector. It sources its milk from members in north and south-west Wales.

One of the founder members, Dai Miles, now its managing director, is a committed advocate of organic farming .

He said: “Our commitment to producing the highest quality organic milk for consumers remains the same today as it always has done. The upturn in sales shows that the customer shares the supreme confidence our organic dairy farmers have in their product.”

He added, “The organic dairy market has now come of age with many producers having farmed organically for 18 years or more.”

With the increasing demand for Calon Wen branded products, the company is now looking to recruit the next generation of dairy farmers who may be interested in becoming supplier members.

Commenting on the obvious comparisons dairy farmers will make between conventional and organic milk price, Dai Miles urges those considering conversion to think about the long term. “Compared to the open milk market, organic milk has not suffered the same wild fluctuations in price over time, but all factors need to be considered, not just price”.

Dave Edge, the North Wales based chairman of Calon Wen, also added: “It’s not easy being an organic farmer, but the pleasure and pride in producing a quality product more than makes up for the challenges” he said.

Calon Wen’s strategy is based on adding value and producing in line with market requirements. With organic markets gaining strength, Calon Wen would welcome enquiries from dairy producers who wish to be a part of the business’ future in the long term.

"Calon Wen believes that now is the time for more and more farmers to consider the long term benefits of becoming an organic producer and investing in the ethos of organic farming," added Dai Miles.

Calon Wen will be offering an organic conversion package to supplement Glastir Organic to dairy farmers who meet their requirements, and will be awarded a contract to purchase their organic milk once conversion is complete.