Soil Association

The Soil Association is the United Kingdom’s most influential charity promoting organic farming, sustainable food, and good health. Founded in 1946 and based in Bristol, the organization operates the UK’s largest organic certification program, certifying thousands of farms, processors, and food businesses across the country. The Soil Association’s organic certification standards are highly regarded, setting requirements that go beyond EU organic baseline rules, particularly in areas of soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare. Beyond certification, the organization campaigns for systemic change in food and agriculture policy, advocating for public procurement of organic food, reduced use of pesticides, and greater investment in agroecology. The Soil Association runs major programs including Food for Life, which works with schools and public sector food services to improve the nutritional quality and sustainability of meals. The organization publishes comprehensive research and annual reports on the state of organic farming in the UK, providing essential data for the sector. Through its combined activities in certification, campaigning, research, and education, the Soil Association is a cornerstone institution for sustainable food and farming in the United Kingdom.