Championing organic

Organic farming is a system of farming and food production. We support organic farmers, businesses and communities to produce high-quality and accessible food, using methods that benefit our whole food system, from people to planet, plant health and animal welfare.

Why organic matters

The Soil Association organic symbol on a chalkboard

What is organic food?

The way we farm and eat can make a world of difference. Organic farming is better for the planet, for wildlife, for animals and for people. Find out why choosing organic matters and what the Soil Association organic symbol really means.
The Soil Association organic symbol on a chalkboard
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Why organic?

The way we farm and eat can make a world of difference. Organic farming is better for the planet, for wildlife, for animals and for people. Find out why choosing organic matters and what the Soil Association organic symbol really means.
Three piglets stand in an unmowed field with pink and white wildflowers.

Why organic is better for animals

Animal welfare is at the heart of organic farming. Organic standards mean truly free-range animals with plenty of space, fresh air and a natural diet, with no routine use of antibiotics and no painful mutilations.

Why organic is better for the planet

Organic farming is designed to respect nature and enhance the health of soils, water and air. It avoids artificial fertilisers, builds healthier soils that store more carbon and produces meat that is more environmentally friendly.
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Why organic is better for wildlife

Organic farms have on average 30% more biodiversity than non-organic farms. By using fewer pesticides and managing land more sensitively, organic farming supports bees, birds, butterflies and a wide range of other wildlife.

Pioneering organic for over 80 years

Since 1946, Soil Association has been at the forefront of the organic movement. We were among the first in the world to set standards for organic food and farming, publishing our first organic standards in 1967 and launching independent certification in 1973. Those standards continue to go further than the law requires, covering everything from soil health and animal welfare to what goes into the food on your plate. When you see the Soil Association organic symbol on a product today, it is the result of more than 80 years of innovation, inspection and commitment to doing things the right way.

Soil Association organic standards

Standards define how organic principles are put into practice, with Soil Association higher standards going further than the legal minimum in important areas such as animal welfare, protection for nature and human health.

Organic farming

Person ploughs a field of dark green leafy veg, using a compact orange tractor.

Organic farming

Learn how organic farming works, how it protects soil, wildlife and animal welfare, and how it differs from intensive farming systems.
Person ploughs a field of dark green leafy veg, using a compact orange tractor.
A plough creates a browny-orange cloud as it is pulled through a field of wheat.
Get certified

Farming certification

Get certified as an organic farmer and show your commitment to high standards of animal welfare, soil health and environmental protection. Our certification supports farms of all sizes across the UK.
Man leaning through to cut green tomato plants.

Support for farmers and growers

Soil Association works with all farmers and growers interested in agroecological farming. From on-farm research and farm walks to market information and business support, find out how we can help you farm with nature.
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Innovative Farmers

A network of farmers and growers running on-farm trials on their own terms. Join field labs, share what works and access the latest farmer-led research to help you make practical changes on your farm.
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Soil Association Exchange

Exchange supports farmers to adopt practices that make them more resilient and profitable, through robust data, tailored advice and new funding opportunities.

Organic food and drink

The Soil Association organic symbol on a chalkboard

What is organic food?

The way we farm and eat can make a world of difference. Organic farming is better for the planet, for wildlife, for animals and for people. Find out why choosing organic matters and what the Soil Association organic symbol really means.
Brown chicken peeking out of a hen house.

Organic eggs

Organic eggs come from hens kept in smaller flocks with more outdoor space, no routine antibiotics and no beak trimming. Find out the five key differences between organic and free-range eggs and what the organic symbol means.
A selection of white breads

Organic bread and flour

Organic bread and flour is produced without weedkillers like glyphosate, with fewer additives and preservatives, and using farming methods that are kinder to nature. Find out what makes organic bread different and why it matters.
Brown and white cows and calves in a grassy field.

Organic milk and dairy

Organic milk comes from truly free-range, grass-fed cows with higher welfare standards, no routine antibiotics and fewer additives. It also contains higher levels of Omega 3 than non-organic milk. Find out what makes it different.
Raw carrots and beetroot in a basket

Start living organically

Going organic does not have to be expensive or complicated. Whether you want to find your nearest organic shop or sign up for a veg box, we can help you take your first steps towards a more organic life.
Raw carrots and beetroot in a basket

Organic beyond the plate

Organic fashion

The textiles industry is the world's second most polluting. Organic clothing is made from materials grown without synthetic pesticides or GM seeds, with workers' rights protected throughout the supply chain. Find out how to make more sustainable choices.
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Organic cotton

Organic cotton is grown without hazardous pesticides or GM seeds, uses less water, helps farmers grow other crops for food security and combats climate change. Find out why organic cotton is better and what to look for when you buy.
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Organic beauty and skincare

Organic beauty products are made to strict standards that restrict synthetic ingredients and protect people and the planet. Find out what organic beauty really means, how it differs from natural beauty and how to find certified brands.
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A bold graphic that states: Cut through the crop. Choose organic this September.

Organic September

Join a month-long, nationwide celebration of organic food, farming and sustainable living. This September, see how organic supports nature, wildlife, higher animal welfare standards and healthier soils. And if you're an organic brand, download your free toolkit.

Celebrate organic

Our areas of work

Championing organic is one of 4 areas where Soil Association focuses its efforts. Explore the others.

Nature and climate

We work to restore the connections between people, nature and a healthy climate - bringing together farmers, communities and businesses to reverse environmental damage and build a future where nature and people can thrive together. Find out how we are tackling the nature and climate crisis.

Food

Everyone should have the right to good, healthy and affordable food, grown and produced in a nature-friendly way. We work with caterers, schools, businesses and communities to implement lasting change to fix food for all, from farm to fork. Find out how we are transforming the food system.

Farming and forestry

We aim to transform how land is farmed and managed, supporting farmers, growers and foresters to adopt nature-friendly practices that restore soils, protect wildlife and help create a sustainable future for everyone. Find out how we are changing farming and forestry.