SA Livestock Market Scheme to end
As you may be aware, The Soil Association has recently reviewed and updated their organic standards. Reviewing the Soil Association livestock market standards showed that the requirements embedded in them are covered by statutory legislation and the Soil Association general livestock standards. Statutory legislation within livestock markets has also risen in general over recent years. As such, there is no longer the need to have Soil Association standards specifically for livestock markets. This means that farmers can now buy and sell stock through livestock markets that are not organically certified.
As the owners of the livestock, it's now the responsibility of the farmer to ensure compliance to organic standards while at market. This includes keeping records of documentation, such as livestock transport documents, trading schedules and certificates, and ensuring the welfare of stock is maintained.
If you have any questions, please contact your Certification Officer on 0117 914 2412.