The Soil Association is a prominent UK charity that has been working for over 75 years to revolutionize how we eat, farm, and interact with our natural world. Founded in 1946 by individuals concerned about the health implications of intensive agriculture, the organization has grown to be a leading voice in advocating for sustainable and organic practices.
At its core, the Soil Association's mission is to promote "regeneration: a world with good health, in balance with nature, and a safe climate." They believe that addressing the Earth's urgent needs requires a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of soil, plants, animals, and people, with food, farming, and forestry being integral to the solution.
Their work is multifaceted, encompassing:
- Campaigning for Change: The Soil Association actively campaigns for policy changes in food, farming, and land use, using evidence gathered from on-the-ground initiatives to influence government decisions. They champion alternatives to intensive production and consumption systems, aiming for a nature-friendly future and supporting individuals in their journey towards sustainable living. Recent campaigns include advocating for a ban on harmful chemicals in packaging and promoting agroecological farming.
- Developing World-Leading Standards: A key part of their legacy, the Soil Association was a pioneer in establishing organic standards. They continue to develop rigorous benchmarks for organic food, farming, health and beauty products, textiles, and forestry. Their certification, managed by their subsidiary Soil Association Certification, is widely recognized and trusted, with their organic symbol appearing on a significant portion of organic food and drink sold in the UK. This certification ensures adherence to principles of health, ecology, fairness, and care, often exceeding basic legal requirements. Profits from their certification services are reinvested into the charity's work.
- Supporting Farming Innovation: They actively support farmers and growers in adopting nature-friendly practices. Through programs like Innovative Farmers and Future Farming Scotland, they facilitate agricultural research, knowledge sharing, and skill development, empowering farmers to lead the shift towards sustainable food production. They also work with the Soil Association Land Trust, a sister charity, to acquire and sustainably manage farmland, connecting the public with land stewardship.
- Serving Healthy Food: The Soil Association works with caterers and businesses, including schools and nurseries through their "Food for Life" program, to source sustainable ingredients and put nutritious, healthy food on menus. This initiative aims to connect children and communities with their food and local food systems.
- Protecting Forests: Recognizing the vital role of trees and forests, Soil Association Certification Forestry supports thousands of clients globally, overseeing the protection of millions of hectares of forest. This work contributes to the health of the environment, people, plants, and animals within these ecosystems.
- Growing the Organic Market: They provide technical advice and marketing support to organic businesses, helping them to thrive and expand the reach of organic products, thereby driving real change on the ground through the adoption of organic principles.
Whole Farm Plans on Organic Farms: Crop and Livestock Focus
The Soil Association operates with a "boots on the ground" approach, understanding what is practically possible and using this knowledge to inform their advocacy and drive positive action. They also emphasize strong internal values, fostering a supportive and engaged workforce through various wellbeing and development initiatives. Ultimately, the Soil Association is dedicated to creating a better future, with healthy soils, thriving wildlife, good lives for farm animals, and nutritious, sustainable food for everyone.
