Organic conversion in farming: how long does the period last with Skal?

Conversion is the period in which your business or plot switches from conventional to organic farming. During that time you apply the organic rules, but you may not yet sell your products as organic. This is set out in the European organic regulation 2018/848 .

Short answer: for arable farming and grassland, the harvest is only organic 24 months after the start of conversion. For perennial crops, such as fruit trees or asparagus, that is 36 months. Skal applies the same approach . For what the period costs, read costs and timeline.

The start date is the moment the organic rules start to apply to your plot. You report that date to Skal. From that date, the months count.

Periods per crop

The period depends on what you grow. The table gives the main line. A different rule can apply to each plot or animal species.

Crop or animal	Harvest or product is organic after	Note
Arable farming	24 months after the start, for crops sown or planted after that	The sowing date counts, not only the harvest
Grassland	24 months after the start	Grass from the first year is not organic
Perennial crops, such as fruit trees and asparagus	36 months after the start	Longer waiting time because of the plant itself
Animals	Differs per animal species and farm management	Ask Skal for the period before you buy animals

Animals have their own period. Have that period confirmed before you make an investment.

Example: arable farm De Vlasakker

The fictional arable farm De Vlasakker has 40 hectares of arable land. On 1 April 2027 the business reports the start of conversion to Skal. In spring 2027 it sows conventional grain, and that harvest is not organic. Only crops sown after 1 April 2029 give an organic harvest.

In the meantime, De Vlasakker can already prepare. The business looks for organic seed, adjusts its fertilisation and learns about crop rotation. That way it is ready on 1 April 2029.

What may you sell during conversion?

During conversion, three phases apply, each with its own rules. Skal describes them on the page on product labelling during conversion .

The first year. Grass and other crops are not organic. You also may not refer to organic production.

From 12 months. You may use the label “in omschakeling op de biologische landbouw” (meaning “in conversion to organic farming”). That applies until the plot is certified.

After certification. Only then may you use the word “biologisch” (organic). This applies only to the harvest from plots that are on your certificate.

You may not use the EU organic logo on conversion products during this period. Read more about that at using the EU organic logo.

What checks apply during conversion?

You are also under Skal’s supervision during conversion. How often Skal visits depends on your supervision arrangement. For agricultural businesses in 2026, there is a low arrangement with one check every 24 months, a normal arrangement with one check per year, or a high arrangement with at least two checks per year.

It is wise to record everything carefully from day one of the conversion, such as sowing plans and purchase receipts. That way you have the information to hand at the check.

Report the start to Skal

Report the start date of the conversion before you use the plot.

Farm organically

Apply the organic rules to the plot, with the right administration.

Check and certification

After the period, Skal checks the plot. If it is approved, the plot goes on your certificate.

Can the conversion be shorter?

The period is the standard, but sometimes a plot can be shorter. Whether that is possible depends on the history of the land, and Skal assesses each case separately. Ask Skal in advance, so that you do not wait for nothing.

Frequently asked questions

May I sell the harvest from the first year as organic?

No. Grass and other crops from the first year are not organic. You may not sell them as organic, even if you already follow the rules. See frequently asked questions about Skal for more questions about sales.

Can I convert plot by plot?

Yes. Conversion takes place per plot. Each plot you have certified is named on your certificate. Plots that are not yet certified may not be sold as organic.

What does the conversion cost with Skal?

You pay Skal’s general annual fee, certification fee and supervision fee. For an agricultural business with a normal supervision arrangement, these were €731, €463 and €42 per year in 2026, plus €136 per hour for inspections. This is an indication according to the Skal rates sheet . See costs and timeline for the total.