Global accreditation for Organic Farmers & Growers

The farmer-dedicated organic certifier, Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G), has attained the global IFOAM* (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements) standard for its optional Higher Level Programme and has signed a contract with the international standard-setting body. This is relevant particularly to organic farmers who supply manufacturers of own label products to supermarkets that specify IFOAM-accredited supply chains.

Nearly 1,000 farmers and 300 food manufacturers use OF&G certification, making it the second largest UK certifier. In both farming and food sectors, IFOAM accreditation strengthens OF&G's pro-choice policy in organic certification, according to chairman Richard Thompson.

He says the higher level certification programme developed by OF&G is geared to supporting suppliers of the supermarkets that require IFOAM, now and in the future. Mr Thompson reckons that attaining the global accreditation is evidence of efficiency and thoroughness throughout OF&G's operation and serves to give all organic licensees, at both IFOAM and UKROFS levels, confidence in the service.

"IFOAM is relevant currently to food processors and their suppliers who manufacture or pack own label products for the supermarkets which specify IFOAM-accredited organic certification," he emphasises. "For all others, the OF&G/UKROFS certification service continues unchanged and we will continue to resist gold-plating as vigorously as possible.

"But a spin off relevant to all organic producers is that this accreditation strengthens the UK organic voice internationally. Already, we have received several invitations to attend conferences and meetings about EU and global organic policy."