SOPA & SA Scotland: Memorandum of Understanding

By committing to a series of common areas of interest, and joint principles and commitments in lobbying ScotGov and other stakeholders, we are armoured with a joint approach in our continued effort to gain support for organic businesses in Scotland. Particularly, within the evolving new Agriculture Bill support package and beyond.

David Mackay, Soil Association Scotland says “Soil Association Scotland is very pleased to agree this Memorandum of Understanding with SOPA at what is a critical time for the organic sector in Scotland. Our organisations both know that organic is part of the solution to the climate and nature crises, by delivering environmental benefits while meeting consumer demands for high-quality and high-welfare food production. It is in our interests as a sector to come together and to speak with one voice to ensure that emerging policy and legislation from the Scottish Government delivers for existing organic producers and processors, and creates the right conditions for sustainable growth in the sector in future.”

Jo Barron, SOPA Policy Lead, voiced “Although not a new way of working this agreement comes at a critical time for the organic sector in Scotland.  Together we can push harder for the recognition the organic sector needs from Scottish Government in holding the keys to reducing the agricultural carbon footprint and delivering biodiversity and health benefits both for animals and humans alike. Consumers deserve the right to choose the food they eat and how it’s produced.  And supporting organic food and farming businesses is a key element to making sure we provide this choice. “