Celebrating 50 Years of the Soil Association

Our Dear Customers, 

Welcome to Organic September! 

We are excited to celebrate 50 years of Organic Certification with the Soil Association this month. 

The work of the Soil Association is very close to my heart.  When I was a teenager, I read ‘Diet for a Small Planet’ by Frances Moore Lappé.  It felt like the ending of my innocent childhood when I discovered the detail of the meat industry in America – from what they feed the cows to how the soil and water is polluted from farming practices that don’t respect the animals or the earth.  Why was no one looking after the health of the planet, the animals – and me, eating the final product? 

I decided that going forward I would do my own research as no one seemed to be looking after my best interests.  I believe this is when the seed of the idea for Planet was planted.  Decades later, imagine my delight when I discovered organic and learned how organic agriculture holds the soil, plants, animals – and people – in high regard.  

The Soil Association have supported and guided Planet Organic since we first opened in 1995.  I personally started working with them from 1999, volunteering my time and energy to join various boards and committees, campaigning alongside them for better food and farming.    Over these 50 years, they have developed ongoing high standards for food, farming, health and beauty and textiles, as well as for forestry - and work across Europe to influence legislation.  

Organic standards define how an organic product can be grown, farmed and/or made.  There is a detailed system of standards that are maintained by inspectors going into the fields, factories and shops.  The certification process is rigorous and involves all aspects of the supply chain including manufacturing, packaging, storing, importing, distribution and labelling.  Organic ensures the highest integrity in the food chain from the soil to your table and in body care products from the ingredients to your skin. 

So, I did my own research and found organic as a thoughtful and comprehensive system and solution I can trust.   

We are proud to be the first certified organic supermarket in the UK. 

Join us in celebrating and supporting organic certification as we launch nearly 100 exciting organic products this month.  

Regards, 

Renée x