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

          We currently have no live consultations.

          Thank you to everyone who took the time to feed into our most recent standards consultations.

          Ethanol as a processing aid in animal feed in Northern Ireland

          Ethanol will now be permitted for use under Soil Association organic standards for Northern Ireland, subject to the following conditions:

          • to be used only as extraction solvent for the production of protein meals and only when protein meals from mechanical extraction are not available in sufficient quantities

          • only from fermentation if available

          • only from organic production if available

          This will come into effect when our standards are updated in December 2026.

          Table chicken access to range

          We consulted on the age at which table chickens are required to have access to outdoor range. The current requirement is that table chickens should have access to the range for at least two-thirds of their lives. In light of evidence suggesting that table chickens are not physiologically ready to go outside until they are 4 weeks old, we proposed to change the standard to reflect this. However, the results of the consultation were inconclusive, requiring further consideration before a decision can be made and so we will be doing more work in this area over the coming months.

          For further information please contact us. 

          Standards

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          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

          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.