Green Labels: Organic Produce

Organic farming requires farmers to operate to a system based on ecological principles and imposes strict limits on the inputs like artificial chemical fertilisers and pesticides that can be used.

The use of the word “organic” is controlled by law and can be used on food products only if they are produced according to regulations, and farmers and processors must be certified by an approved organisation. In the UK the following are approved organisations capable of certifying produce as organic; (For Addresses & Telephone Numbers)

Organic Farmers and Growers Ltd
Scottish Organic Producers Association
Organic Food Federation
Soil Association Certification Ltd
Bio-Dynamic Agricultural Association
Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association
Organic Trust Limited
CMi Certification
Quality Welsh Food Certification Ltd
Ascisco Ltd

As well as the standards set out in regulations for organic food there are private standards used by authorised bodies for other products like textiles, cosmetics, wood products and composts. Compliance with these standards is dealt with under general consumer protection law.

There is no requirement to display a logo, but the certification number must be used in the labelling of certified organic products (eg “Organic Certification: UK 1”). The main picture includes two logos used by the Soil Association and Organic Farmers & Growers certification organisations.