Who are the Soil Association?
Founded in 1946 the Soil Associations mission is to research, develop and promote sustainable relationships between the soil, plants, animals, people and the biosphere, in order to produce healthy food and other products while protecting and enhancing the environment.

Soil Association Certification Limited
The Soil Association Certification Limited inspect and certify organic farms, food manufacturers and producers of non-food items such as health and beauty products and textiles.

If they are satisfied that the producer or operator has met their standards they issue:

• An annual certificate of registration
• A trading schedule
• A licence to use their symbol

The symbol shows that a farm or manufacturer meets Soil Association standards. It is an internationally respected mark for organic products. All sectors of the organic industry use it, and consumers recognise and trust it. It is used for both food and non-food production.

The principles of organic production
Organic is a ‘whole system’ approach to farming and food production. It recognises the close interrelationships between all parts of the production system from the soil to the consumer.

Organic health and beauty products
In addition to the principles for organic production and processing there are more detailed principles for organic health and beauty products.
 
Organic health and beauty products should:

• Be fit for their purpose
• Have as high as possible proportion of organic ingredients
• Be clearly identified, traceable and separate from non-organic products at all stages of manufacturing
• Not be tested on animals
• Not be harmful to human health and the environment in manufacture and use
• Be produced in line with Soils Association ethical trade standards *
• Be labelled to give clear and accurate information to the consumer

Products can only be labelled as ‘organic’ if more than 95% of the ingredients are organically produced. If at least 70% of the ingredients are organically produced you must label your products as ‘made with organic ingredients’ and state the percentage amount of organic ingredients.

* Click here if you would like to find out more about the Soil Association Ethical Standards and here if you would like to view the Soil Association website.

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