• Sign up to receive our Trade News email for regular updates with new information and guidance

• Follow our Instagram stories for a snapshot of how Soil Association Certification clients are keeping supply chains moving and farms producing food for the nation

• Read our Certification News updates for the most up to date certification information and guidance as it becomes available

• Explore our online events including the hybrid 2021 Organic Trade Conference

   

Trade consultant, Finn Cottle takes a look at the opportunities for organic within a changing retail sector.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has already affected the lives of everyone, in some way, and its impact will continue for some time.  Soil Association Certification is working with FSC® and PEFC to implement measures to help our certificate holders maintain their certification in these extraordinary times.

COVID-19 has resulted in disruptions and changes to supply chains. Whilst food service markets have paused, home delivery markets have seen a surge in demand with more people shopping online.

Support for selling direct or through new routes to market:

• List your box scheme: Are you one of our farmers & growers licensed to operate an organic box scheme? Get your scheme featured on our listings.

• List your organic home delivery: Reach new customers and tell them about your organic home delivery service. 

• List your independent shop: If you sell organic products through independent retail or a farm shop, be sure to list it for free on our indie retail finder

• Search for organic box scheme or indie retailer in your area if you have any surplus products and are looking for businesses to collaborate with

• List a job or other ad on our Organic Marketplace

General food & farming distribution

• Freight Transport Association (FTA) – Coronavirus support hub
• Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) – Updates on how Coronavirus impacts wholesaling
• British Retail Consortium (BRC) Coronavirus support hub
• Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) – Advice for farmers and growers
• National Farmers’ Union (NFU) – Updates and advice for members and for the public
• Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
• Business Rates Holiday for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure sectors
• Cash Grants for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure
• Small Business Grant Funding

Further support & toolkits

• Toolkit to help businesses across the UK meet the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19
• Bread & Jam Festival COVID-19 Survival Series