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What is the conversion period?
Arable and horticultural land and grassland have to undergo a 24 month monitored conversion period under organic management from the date of application to the date when organic status is achieved for the land. Land with perennial crops such as fruit bushes and fruit trees must undergo a 36 month conversion period.
In exceptional cases, such as where land has been under an environmental management agreement that specifically prohibits fertilisers and herbicides, a case can be made for reducing the conversion period. Additionally land intended for non-herbivores (pigs and poultry) may be eligible for a reduced conversion period of up to 12 months.