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Production Standards

For many years, there have been codes for organic farming prepared by voluntary bodies and applied by their members.

In 1993, however, a European Community Regulation became effective. This describes the inputs and practices which may be used in organic farming and growing, and the inspection system which must be put into place to ensure this. The Regulation also applies to processing, processing aids and ingredients in organic foods. So, all food sold as organic must come from growers, processors or importers who are registered and subject to regular inspection.

In the United Kingdom, DEFRA are the Control Authority and determine the UK's Compendium of Organic Standards.

The Advisory Committee on Organic Standards (ACOS) is a non-executive non departmental public body which advises Ministers on matters related to organic standards. Its job is to ensure that the EC Regulation is applied in the UK by the various bodies which register organic farmers and processors.