Close cooperation between producer groups and the Soil Association Food and Farming department can offer a range of mutual benefits. With over 30 organic producer groups in the UK, links between the groups can be highly beneficial. Livestock trading, information exchange, gathering market intelligence and branding are natural areas for joint initiatives. Market development, policy direction and representation are undoubtedly key areas for wider cooperation. The facilitation of livestock producer groups, where the food and farming department now acts to federate group livestock marketing, is an excellent example of cooperation - with the common aim of developing the organic livestock sector. Another good example is the facilitation of the Northern Organic Food Initiative, where we are working with key players, such as regional development agencies, industry representatives and producer groups, to develop a strategy for the development of the organic sector in the north. The Food and Farming department would like to encourage greater involvement of such groups in policy consultations to ensure that their views are reflected in the Soil Association's policy work. We can offer a wide range of support to producer groups; for example, by answering queries from groups regarding technical or marketing problems, or the organisation of training or funding opportunities. We can also provide support for regional marketing initiatives and the development of market intelligence. Producer groups, on the other hand, can provide vital feedback to ensure that the activities of the Food and Farming department meets the needs of producers and their representative regional group. The involvement of producer groups in the organisation of Food and Farming department’ training events at the planning stage and in training delivery would ensure that the training meets specific regional needs. Feedback from producer groups on the information material that we produce is also beneficial. With over 30 organic producer groups in the UK, links between the groups can be highly beneficial. Livestock trading, information exchange, gathering market intelligence and branding are natural areas for joint initiatives. The Food and Farming department supports the exchange between groups through listing contact details, main activities and produces an e-mail newsletter for organic producers. » list of producer groups [PDF, 840 KB]