• 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

UK Control Authority

Legal Authority and the Control of Organic Farming Regulations in the UK

The first EC regulation regarding organic produce came into effect on 1st January 1993.

The EU Regulatory Framework was reviewed and updated with a new Organic Regulation in 2007. The Implementing Rules came into force in 2008. For more information about the European legislation protecting organic food production, foodprocessing and labelling go to http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/organic/eu-policy/legislation_en

It is illegal to use the word "organic' in connection with food stuffs unless the producers has been certified by a recognised organic body.

In this country DEFRA is the recognised Organic Control Authority and has approved SOPA as a Control Body to operate organic certification schemes in the UK.

This means that SOPA can administer Organic Regulations to any producer or food processor in the UK, but it remains that our standards are written with a pragmatic understanding of the climate, geography and specific challenges faced by Scottish agriculture. SOPA is dedicated to upholding organic standards in Scottish conditions and to respect the traditions and cultures of farming in Scotland.