Certification update

Have your say: new Soil Association standards consultations

The Soil Association is conducting two short consultations on proposed changes to Soil Association organic standards.

Date published: 28 Jul 2026
  • Standards
  • Farming

Table chicken access to range

The age at which table chickens are required to have access to outdoor range. Soil Association are proposing to change the requirement for outdoor access based on evidence that chickens are not physiologically ready to go outdoors until they are 4 weeks old.

Ethanol as a processing aid in animal feed in Northern Ireland

The use of ethanol as a processing aid for animal feed. Ethanol is now permitted under EU regulation, therefore Soil Association is proposing to update the Soil Association organic standards in Northern Ireland.

These consultations will close on 27 August 2026. Feedback is crucial, so please send to any contacts you have who may be interested.

Respond to the consultations

Visit the Soil Association Standards Innovation page to view and respond to current standards development work.
Complete the consultation

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We certify to higher standards

Soil Association organic standards go further than the legal minimum in key areas such as animal welfare, the environment and human health. At Soil Association Certification, we certify organic businesses and products to these higher standards.