Organic as a Lifestyle
Choosing organic is a choice and it is a commitment to a better future for our planet. Our dedication to sustainability and organic practices stems from the deeply rooted understanding that the health of our environment is intertwined with the health of our communities and
the global ecosystem.
European Union & Soil Association organic farming rules cover agricultural products. They encompass every stage of the production process, from seeds to the final processed food. Certifications legislations are highly regulated.
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When you choose organic, you're opting for a farming method that significantly reduces the use of synthetic chemicals. Conventional agriculture relies heavily on pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which can harm the environment through soil erosion, water pollution, and the loss of biodiversity. Organic farming, on the other hand, harnesses natural processes to nourish the soil, protect the land, and promote biodiversity. It's a method that honors the delicate balance of nature.
Looking after the Planet
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Balance of the Nature
When you choose organic, you're opting for a farming method that significantly reduces the use of synthetic chemicals. Conventional agriculture relies heavily on pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which can harm the environment through soil erosion, water pollution, and the loss of biodiversity. Organic farming, on the other hand, harnesses natural processes to nourish the soil, protect the land, and promote biodiversity. It's a method that honors the delicate balance of nature.
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Climate Resilience
Organic farming has been shown to be more resilient in the face of climate change. By fostering biodiversity, organic systems are better equipped to adapt to extreme weather events and changing conditions. Additionally, organic agriculture helps sequester carbon in the soil, contributing to the fight against global warming
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Healthy Soils
Organic farming practices focus on building and maintaining healthy soils. Healthy soils are the foundation of all life on Earth. They absorb carbon dioxide, helping to combat climate change, and are vital for sustaining plant and animal life. By nurturing and protecting these soils, we are taking a crucial step towards safeguarding the planet for future generations.
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Protecting Water Quality
Conventional agriculture often results in the contamination of waterways with harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Organic farming, however, utilizes practices that reduce this risk. By protecting water quality, we are not only preserving the health of aquatic ecosystems but also ensuring safe and clean water sources for communities.
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Support for Sustainable Practices
By choosing organic products, you're supporting a system that values sustainable, long-term practices over short-term gains. This, in turn, encourages more farmers to embrace organic methods, further reducing the overall environmental impact of agriculture.
Organic Standards
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Prohibition of GMOs
Organic farming strictly prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), ensuring that crops and livestock remain free from genetic modifications.
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Ban on Ionising Radiation
Organic rules explicitly forbid the use of ionising radiation, safeguarding the natural state of organic products.
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Limited Use of Artificial Fertilizers, Herbicides, and Pesticides:
Organic farming restricts the application of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, promoting natural and sustainable pest and weed control methods.
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Prohibition of Hormones and Restricted Antibiotic Use
The use of hormones is prohibited in organic livestock, and antibiotics are only allowed when necessary for animal health, promoting animal welfare and reducing unnecessary medication.
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EU Organic Rules
Certificates
Legislation
The EU sets out a number of rules and regulations governing the production, distribution and marketing of organic products in the EU. There are specific regulations related to particular products.
The EU consults with stakeholders and the general public to improve the quality of its legislation and this cooperation also extends to the organics sector. You can find more information at: https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/farming/organic-farming/legislation_en
The Organic Logo
The organic logos can only be used on products that have been certified as organic by an authorised control agency or body. This means that they have fulfilled strict conditions on how they are produced, transported and stored.
Our Licenses (EU Organic & Soil Association)
The licenses are governed by a set of rules that define how an organic product must be grown, farmed or made.
The Soil Association is the world’s first organic standard, which was developed in the 1960s. The certifications must meet strict European laws about the production of organic food. In addition, the license ensures that the production and supply chain process complies the key areas such as animal welfare, protecting human health, and safeguarding the environment. No system of farming has higher levels of animal welfare than farms working to Soil Association organic standards.
The Standards
Soil Association has higher standards that are set and overseen by external committees of experts. Task and Finish groups are made up of our members and certification licensees, researchers, advisors, other experts in their field and consumer representatives. Each group has an independent chair who is responsible for ensuring the group membership is balanced, reflecting the challenges of the sector and the priorities for standards development.
Higher standards worldwide
Soil Association Certification Limited is one of a family of organic certification bodies (CBs) working together to ensure that strict organic standards are being met the world over. You can find our organic standards at https://www.soilassociation.org/our-standards
Packaging Standards
The Soil Association is the only organic standard setter in the UK that has higher standards on packaging, when buying SA organic products, consumers expect products that are less harmful to human and environmental health, sourced from more sustainable land management systems and are recyclable or reusable where possible.
The packaging standards extend throughout the food supply chain to ensure that sustainability is built into the whole packaging cycle and aim to carry the organic principles into product packaging wherever possible.
Soil Association Certification is the only UK organic certifier with higher standards on packaging. The packaging standards aim to maximise the benefits and avoid the negative impacts of packaging. They extend throughout the food supply chain to ensure that sustainability is built into the whole packaging cycle and aim to embed the organic principles into product packaging wherever possible.
When people purchase organic products certified by Soil Association Certification, they can do so with the confidence that the packaging is consistent with organic principles of Health, Ecology, Fairness and Care.
Soil Association packaging standards are developed and reviewed to remain on top of emerging innovations in the sector. Any changes we make to standards are guided by industry experts and then consulted on publicly.
Packaging Requirement
Numerous packaging solutions incorporate chemical applications to enhance functions such as grease-proofing and oxygen barriers to prolong shelf-life or to meet food safety regulations. Some of these chemicals widely used in packaging have been found to migrate into food products or escape into the environment. The soil association restrict the use of some of the most harmful chemicals used in packaging manufacture, like phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) and any emerging risks.