Soil Association recommends on air freighted produce

Following an extensive first round consultation on the issue of air freight – lasting 4 months, receiving nearly 400 responses from the public, NGOs, industry, government and international agencies plus meetings with 100 organisations – the Soil Association’s Standards Board recommended that the organisation’s standards should be changed so that organic produce can only be air-freighted if it also meets the Soil Association’s own Ethical Trade or the Fairtrade Foundation’s standard.

A second round of consultation launched on 6 March, in accordance with best practice, gives people the opportunity to comment on the implementation of this recommendation and provides an opportunity to ensure it is practical and fit for purpose.

Anna Bradley, chair of the Soil Association’s Standards Board said, "This has proved to be a powerful and positive process – ensuring the best outcome for people and planet. This second stage of consultation gives the opportunity for people, especially affected licensees, to comment on our proposal, ensuring the final published standard is workable and effective.

"Organic production is all about sustainability and the balance this implies between social, environmental and economic objectives. By addressing concerns over air freight in our standards, we aim to make it easier for consumers to make informed and sustainable choices, allowing poor farmers in developing countries achieve the social and environmental benefits of organic production along with the economic benefits achieved by selling in developed country markets.

"Our consultation was open and broad. We have called on national and international policy makers to adopt a similar approach; rather than criticising us for opening up this debate, they should be showing some leadership and joining us to find solutions."