Innovation in Soil Association organic standards

We review and improve our standards to reflect new evidence and support better outcomes for nature, climate and animal welfare. Find out how we undertake this work and how you can take part.

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          Current standards development work

          Any live consultations where you can have your say will be listed on this page.

          We currently have two live consultations.

          Ethanol as a processing aid in animal feed (Northern Ireland)

          We propose to permit the use of ethanol as a feed processing aid under Soil Association organic standards in Northern Ireland, in line with changes to the EU regulation. This consultation will close on 27 August 2026.
          Complete the consultation

          Access to the outdoor range for table chickens

          We are consulting on a change to the age we require table chickens to be given range access. We are proposing to change the requirement for outdoor access for chickens. This is based on evidence that chickens are not ready to go outdoors until they are 4 weeks old. This consultation will close on 27 August 2026.
          Complete the consultation

          For further information please contact us. 

          Standards

          Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

          How standards are set

          Soil Association’s standards governance is designed to be independent, transparent and accountable. Our standards are set and overseen by an independent Standards Board.

          We aim for our standards to be stretching and ambitious, yet achievable.

          Find out more about how we set our standards.

          Why we consult

          We run in-depth, far-reaching and targeted public consultations as part of our standard-setting process, in line with industry best practice set out by the International Social and Environmental Accreditation and Labelling Alliance (ISEAL).

          We want to hear feedback from all of our stakeholders.

          We take all feedback into account before introducing or amending Soil Association standards.

          Our ongoing work

          Farmed salmon organic standards review

          The Soil Association is reviewing its UK organic salmon standards to ensure they deliver high levels of fish welfare and environmental protection. The work sets out where improvements are needed and the changes required to meet organic principles. Read more about the latest updates.

          Our past work

          Food for Life Served Here standards

          In March 2025, we updated our Food for Life Served Here bronze certification standards to reflect the pace of change in the food industry. We want to continue to celebrate the hard work of caterers who are continuing to serve up healthy and sustainable food despite tighter budgets, fewer resources and a turbulent policy environment. Read more about the latest bronze standard update.

          Packaging standards

          In 2024, we updated our organic packaging standards to reflect growing evidence about problem plastics, recyclability and environmental impact. The changes strengthen protections for people and nature while supporting organic businesses to move towards more sustainable packaging.
          Read more about the updated packaging standards.