Benefits of organic certification for farmers and growers

We certify all farm sizes and enterprises, from beef, sheep and dairy and large-scale arable holdings to field-scale horticulture and market gardens.

We also provide organic certification for on-farm processing and packing, supporting you to add value to your products and grow your business by selling direct. 

As your certification partner, we:

• support your organic journey

• strengthen your farm business

• champion the future of organic farming

As a not-for-profit, we reinvest into supporting organic farmers and strengthening the UK’s sustainable food system. Along with the Soil Association charity, we are the leading voice of the organic sector. We deliver impact through policy, retail and media engagement. 

Benefits of certifying with us

With over 50 years’ experience, we offer certification to trusted standards, friendly inspections and strong customer service. As a not‑for‑profit, we’re focused on growing a resilient organic sector that benefits farmers, consumers and the environment.

Supportive, efficient conversion and certification 

We make organic conversion and certification clear and practical. Our people understand farming. Our friendly teams in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland provide:

• a dedicated Certification Officer for all applicants

• supportive inspections

• practical support and clear resources throughout conversion and certification 

• joint inspections with other schemes including Red Tractor, Farm Assurance and Pasture for Life 

• best in class auditing to support organic farms with improving their animal welfare

Technical expertise and supply chain support  

We support you to stay compliant, connected and commercially resilient in a changing market, with:

• a dedicated technical team that works with Defra to provide regulatory input and guidance

• regular updates on inputs, price data, market conditions and UK supply chains

• online Organic Marketplace to buy, sell and connect with other organic producers

• access to specialist farming expertise, events, resources and a helpline through the Soil Association charity

• Approved Inputs Directory for clarity on compliant products

• inclusion in the Food for Life sustainable supplier scheme directory

• webinars and in-person events, including our annual Fresh Produce Forum

A powerful voice for organic farming 

Alongside the Soil Association charity, we champion organic farming at the highest levels, protecting standards, influencing policy and strengthening markets. 

• strong relationships and organic representation and advocacy at Government, retailer and media level 

• evidence-led projects to showcase the benefits of organic in collaboration with farmers and the sector 

• publisher of the UK’s only Organic Market Report 

• opportunities for farmers to steer the sector via the Soil Association charity’s Organic Producer Board and input in sector roundtables 

• wider agroecological farming advocacy from the Soil Association charity, including horticulture strategy and abattoir campaigning

Helping you sell organic with confidence 

Whether you sell direct or through short supply chains, we help you add value and connect with customers, through:

• use of the UK’s most recognised organic symbol 

• organic consumer awareness campaigns and press activity 

• practical marketing tools and insight into organic shoppers 

• competitive fees for on‑farm packing and processing 

• inclusion in our farm shop / box scheme listings 

• webinars and events to help you understand organic shoppers and market trends 

Transparent fees, funding and innovation  

As a not-for-profit, we focus on value, fairness and reinvestment into organic farming. Our certified organic farmers benefit from:

• published, competitive fees, with extra support for smaller farms 

• support accessing organic Government funding and finance 

• exclusive client discount for Soil Association Exchange, to measure, improve and communicate your farm’s climate, nature and soil outcomes

• preferential loan rates with Barclays, HSBC, Santander and Triodos

Business benefits of organic farming (video)

Hear from organic farmers about the benefits organic farming can bring to your business. 

Environmental benefits of organic farming

Rather than relying on chemical inputs, organic farmers and growers adopt management practices that build and enhance natural soil fertility.

This involves using organic matter, green manures and long-term crop rotations. It means controlling weeds, pests and diseases through mechanical weeding, variety choice and by encouraging natural predators. 

By working with nature, organic farming provides a range of environmental benefits, such as:

• improved natural soil health and fertility

• increased carbon storage in soil

• more wildlife and biodiversity

Nature-based farming systems like organic also build resilience into their business by:

• removing their reliance on expensive synthetic and fossil-fuel based inputs, which are vulnerable to price shocks and disruption to supply

• nurturing healthy soils that hold water during dry periods and drain better in heavy rain

• supporting wildlife and natural processes that help crops and livestock