Who's Who
The certification scheme is sub-contracted to SFQC. The SOPA office team dealing with all the certification work are:
Senior Certification Officer and Scheme Manager - Jane Ellis
Certification Officer - Joanna Sinclair
Scheme Assistant - Alison Redfearn
The SOPA Technical Advisory Committee meets on a regular basis to review any contentious inspection reports and give guidance to the certification staff. The committee is made up of retired inspectors, agricultural advisors, a veterinary surgeon, organic consultants and practising farmers.
SOPA Organic Inspectors visit members’ holdings annually to assess paperwork and operations to ensure compliance with the SOPA standards. Located throughout Scotland, the inspectors have an important role as the eyes and ears of the organisation.
Operating independently from the SFQC, the SOPA Board of Directors directs the Association’s affairs and offers strategic guidance on organic industry matters.
John Hamilton SOPA Chairman
Stewart Jamieson SOPA Vice Chairman.
The SOPA Board is answerable to the membership under the Rules of the Association and meets every two months to discuss issues within the agricultural sector and organic industry which affect the membership. As their representatives, it is important the Directors actively liaise with relevant external industry networks, the Scottish Government (SGRPID), National Farmers Union of Scotland, Scottish Agricultural College and Food Standards Agency to maintain a strong SOPA voice in key initiatives such as the Organic Action Plan for Scotland and the funding mechansim for supportnig organic farmers under Rural Development Contracts.
SOPA also contracts out its Support and Development work to SFQC to develop the services received by members of what is Scotland’s largest organic certification body. SOPA represents some 80% of all organic producers and 80% of the organic food production in Scotland. Debs Roberts is responsible for advice and support to existing and prospective SOPA members.
To improve and maintain the technical information required by members of an organic organisation, the Development Officer is responsible for creating, compiling and updating guidance notes, technical bulletins, newsletters, web based information, training events, fact sheets and any other information and support services the members of SOPA require.
Please have a look at the ‘Events diary’ on the ‘News’ page to find out what’s on in your area.
If you have any questions about SOPA or would like to talk to someone about joining, please contact us.
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