Interest-free loans now available for organic farmers

Small-scale and start-up organic and ecological farming businesses now have access to interest-free, unsecured loans of up to £25,000, thanks to the relaunch of the Dean Organic Fund, administered by the Organic Research Centre (ORC).

The fund, originally established by the late organic farmer Jennie Bone to support sustainable farming and conservation, is designed to provide crucial financial support to enterprises that might otherwise struggle to access commercial funding. Loans between £5,000 and £25,000 are available over terms of two to five years, with tailored repayment plans.

A small but influential UK charity, the ORC is a leader in agroecological research, working to tackle global challenges with local, sustainable solutions for farmers and food producers. It focuses on organic, agroforestry, and regenerative farming practices.

“This fund is about unlocking the potential of small, principled businesses,” says Chris Jones, adviser to the Dean Organic Fund. “It could be the vital first step that allows an organic start-up to move from vision to reality.”

Since its initial launch in 2018, the fund has supported nearly 50 farms and food businesses, from community vegetable schemes in Somerset to organic dairies in Devon and market gardens in the Cotswolds. It has even helped launch a pop-up organic shop along Scotland’s iconic North Coast 500 route.

One success story is Sally Hempsell, who received a £25,000 loan to launch her conservation grazing business, Grazing Matters, in the North West of England. With a focus on tailored grazing regimes for biodiversity and habitat preservation, Sally used the funds to purchase cattle and a vehicle to transport them.
“Farming and conservation can absolutely go hand in hand,” she says. “The Dean Organic Fund gave me the freedom to build a business around that principle.”

Unlike traditional lenders, the fund does not seek profit from its investments. Instead, it asks for solid business planning and a commitment to the core values of organic agriculture. “We want to see thoughtful, well-planned applications that will grow the organic sector and carry Jennie Bone’s legacy forward,” says Jones.

Loan funding can be used for equipment, livestock, innovation, or infrastructure—but not for land or property. Applications are open to sole traders, partnerships, companies, and community or social enterprises with a legal structure. While certified organic status is preferred, applicants must, at minimum, follow practices that align closely with organic principles.

“This is a golden opportunity for anyone innovating within the organic space,” Jones adds. “Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, we want to hear from you.”

To learn more or apply, visit: www.organicresearchcentre.com/farming-organically/the-dean-organic-fund