Policy work
In this section you can find out more about:
Introduction to Soil Association Scotland Policy Work
Scottish Organic Forum Update
Climate Stability
Food Security
Scotland's Organic Action Plan
Public Health
Policy related news
Introduction to Soil Association Scotland policy work
The Soil Association campaigns on the links between healthy soil, healthy people and a healthy planet. We champion the unique and necessary role of organic farming and food production. Our policy and campaigns promote the following:
- Climate-friendly food delivered through local, climate-friendly farming
- Resilient and sustainable production of food
- A transformation of food culture
- Food and diet that benefit public health
In Scotland, we pursue these aims through our practical programme of work on:
- Food for Life – improving public procurement and catering;
- Supply Chain development – relocalising our food economy;
- Crofting Connections – celebrating and promoting the benefits of small-scale food production in the Highlands and Islands; and
- Climate Change Support Programme – working with Scotland’s farmers, crofters and land managers to reduce their contribution to climate change.
We also work to shape UK, Scottish and regional policy to ensure that our message is heard. In more detail, our work includes:
Scottish Organic Forum update
Climate stability
We offer practical support to farmers and food producers to enable them to adapt to climate change. Alongside this we champion and promote the important role agriculture plays in sequestering carbon and the particular effectiveness of organic farming methods which on average fixes 28% more carbon than non organic farming. We also work to increase awareness that organic farming reduces emissions per unit of output.
We recently published important new research on the huge potential of agriculture - and organic farming in particular - to lock away carbon in soils; you can read it here.
On 25 February 2010 we held a Soil Carbon Seminar in Edinburgh for policy-makers, farmers and environmental groups. The presentations and minutes are here:
Food security
Recipe for Success - The National Food and Drink Policy for Scotland highlights the importance of increasing Scotland’s food security. Towards that objective, we need more organic food production in Scotland, more local food on our tables, and a change in our national diet.
We have also contributed a response to the call for evidence from the Pack Inquiry on how financial support to agriculture and rural development can best be tailored to deliver the Scottish Government's purpose of sustainable economic growth. The findings from the inquiry will allow the Scottish Government to take informed policy decisions which shape the future direction of agricultural support payments in Scotland. Our contributions can be read via the links below.
Scotland's Organic Action Plan
On 14 March, 2011, Soil Association Scotland welcomed the launch of the Scottish Organic Action Plan, which recognises the positive contribution organic farming systems provide in terms of environmental, social and economic impact, and demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to the organic industry.
'Organic Futures: an action plan for organic food and farming in Scotland' leads the way in providing a clear outline on how the government and the organic sector can work together to deliver public goods that will benefit all of society. The report was prepared in a consensual, well-steered process by the Scottish Government in partnership with the Scottish Organic Forum.
Public Health
We believe organic food is an important part of a healthy diet. In that connection, we:
- contributed to the debate around the Schools Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act;
- work with many local authorities across Scotland, helping them improve their catering, towards our Food for Life Scotland targets of 75% unprocessed, 50% local and 30% organic food in school meals;
- support those working towards these targets with recognition for their achievements through the Food for Life Catering Mark;
- are developing our knowledge and expertise around the supply of organic and local food through our Supply Chain work;
- support the development of Nourish: A sustainable food network for Scotland.
We also work alongside key partners, such as One Planet Food and Community Food and Health Scotland, to raise awareness and campaign for change.
Policy Related News
The search is on for a new Scottish organic monitor farm.
BBC Food and Farming Awards
Air your views on CAP reform