• home
• about SOPA
• organic farming
• organic food
• contact
• classifieds
• community
• member's area
• latest news
• links

• aims and objectives
• who's who
• fee structure
• uk control authority
• services
• membership
• thinking of joining?
• sopa fees
• sopa publications and helpline
• processing certification

Aims and Objectives

The aims of the society are to:-

• Increase the demand for Scottish organic produce by promotion at all levels and by all appropriate means.
• Encourage the acceptance of quality standards for Scottish organic produce and establish appropriate codes of practise.
• Encourage the development of appropriate marketing structures within the organic sector.
• Collect and disseminate Scottish organic production statistics.
• Provide a forum and lobby to enable Government, advisory and research establishments, DEFRA, the agricultural bodies and other organisations to be properly advised on matters concerning organic production in Scotland.
• Work to financially stable businesses for all Scottish organic producers.
• Maintain high quality standards of organic farming and processing and the dissemination of good practice among all SOPA members.
• Raise public awareness of SOPA's role in meeting the demand for certified organic produce through the use of its organic certification mark.
• Collaborate with others in strengthening the infrastructure for the production and marketing of organic food grown in Scotland.
• Advocate the best use of financial support mechanisms for SOPA members within current Government policies for developing Scotland's organic industry.
• Collect data from SOPA members and support research to improve information and assist policy development covering all aspects of the Scottish organic industry.