Soil Association standards The Soil Association has probably the highest and most comprehensive standards for organic production and processing in the world. Our standards not only meet the UK government's minimum requirements but in many areas are higher. This is particularly true with animal welfare (for example poultry), and the use of pesticides and fertilisers. We have also developed standards for areas not covered by government or EU regulations. These include conservation, fish farming, textiles and health and beauty care products. Our standards are constantly under review to keep them up-to-date and to address new issues and developments as they happen. To do this we have set up a number of independent standards committees. These committees are made up of our members and licensees, researchers, advisors and other experts in their field. The committees consider proposals and amendments to the standards and advise us on other relevant policy issues. Their recommendations are circulated to all members and licensees for consultation, with the final decision being taken by our elected council. This rigorous and open process ensures standards remain high, yet attainable. The Soil Association symbol The Soil Association symbol is the UK's most recognised trademark for organic produce When used on food packaging, it tells you that produce is certified to high organic standards and provides an assurance of organic authenticity The organic symbol is valued by farmers, growers, processors and retailers as an important mark of their professionalism and integrity The organic symbol is a trademark of the Soil Association and protected by copyright. Only our licensees are entitled to use this symbol and only in association with the organic products that are included on their licence. Regulation of organic food production EC Council Regulation 2092/91 came into force in 1993. Since then organic food production in the European Union has been strictly regulated. Regulation 2092/91 sets out the inputs and practices which may be used in organic farming and growing, and the inspection system which must be put in place to ensure this. This regulation also applies to processing, processing aids and ingredients in organic foods. All foods sold as organic in the EU must originate from growers, processors and importers who are registered with an approved certification body and regularly inspected. UK organic standards are based on Regulation 2092/91. VACANCIES Health Products Standards Committee Chair We are looking for a new chair of the Health Products Standards Committee. You must have: · A commitment or empathy with organic production. · Experience of chairing meetings. · Experience of working on boards/committees. · Experience of working to reach collective decisions. · Relevant health and beauty/cosmetic technical, practical or professional expertise. · Ability to represent an interest or expertise, but not act as a representative. · Ability to assess technical information from other disciplines. The committee chairs’ role is to lead the committee members to work together to reach collective decisions, and if necessary, to set aside your own particular interest for the greater good of the standards and the integrity they uphold. You will need to be able to commit some time to the post. The Health Products Standards Committee meets around two or three times a year and we have the occasional conference call and email discussion. You will also be required to attend the Standards Board as a representative of the Health Products Standards Committee. The Standards Board also meets around three times a year. If you would like more information about the Health Products Standards Committee, please email Amanda Woodman-Hardy at awoodmanhardy@soilassociation.org Closing date 31st January 2009. Consumer members for standards committees We are looking for new consumer members of the Health Products Standards Committee, Aquaculture Standards Committee, Textiles Standards Committee and Horticulture Standards Committee. You must: · Have an interest in the work area of the committee and be able to follow the discussions · Have experience of working to reach collective decisions on committees · Be a Soil Association member with a commitment to organic production. You will need to be able to commit some time to the post. Committees meet around two or three times a year and we have the occasional conference call and email discussion. If you would like more information about any of the committees or would like to send in your CV, please email Amanda at awoodmanhardy@soilassociation.org