About Organic Farmers & Growers
OF&G certify more than half of UK organic land & provide support, information and licensing to Britain’s top organic food businesses
In 1992 we became the first UK organic certification body to be approved by the Government and now certify over 30% of the UK organic sector.
OF&G was formed in 1973 as a marketing cooperative for organic produce but we are now a dedicated organic control body and certifier for a number of other sustainable land use schemes.
Since the seventies we have spread our expertise to enable us to widen the OF&G certification portfolio.
In addition to the organic certification scheme OF&G is a NATRUE APPROVED CERTIFIER (NAC).
OF&G also offer inspection and certification for the Pasture For Life mark, commercial composting, as well as a scheme for the product of anaerobic digestion, the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme.
Certification is also provided for the Woodland Carbon Code and the Peatland Code.
OF&G certify over 1400 farmers, who farm more than half of the UK’s organic land, as well as companies ranging from small, independent processors to major multinationals.
Our role is to ensure that the Organic standards [1] are carried out on organic farms and food businesses across the UK, and to offer support and guidance for businesses who are making the switch to organic.
From our offices just outside Shrewsbury in Shropshire, we provide services to organic businesses across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
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[1] Organic standards; Retained Regulation (EC) No. 834/2007, (EC) No. 889/2008, (EC) No. 1235/2008 and Organic Products Regulation 2009.
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Stephen Clarkson, OF&G Certification and Compliance manager
OF&G is committed to delivering the highest levels of integrity and impartiality within the Schemes it operates. This commitment ensures that we do not allow commercial, financial or other pressures to compromise our impartiality. To find out more about our certification credentials or commitment to impartiality please contact us today.
Organic Food & Farming Certification
Organic food and farming certification is OF&G’s main inspection and certification scheme. We are an approved UK certification body listed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and ‘GB-ORG-02‘ is the identifying code of OF&G and can be seen on labelling of organic food and farming products we certify; for example ‘Organic Certification: GB-ORG-02’.
Our organic standards are designed not only to meet the requirement of UK law (Retained Organic Regulation EC 834/2007) but also to help guide UK businesses through the organic certification process while offering the best quality organic certification service in the UK.
The Retained Organic Regulation (EC) 834/2007 sets the core standards organic producers must adhere to across the UK.
The full details of our organic certification scheme and its requirements are outlined in the OF&G Organic Standards and Certification Manual (available here).
Additional interpretations/guidance and OF&G standards are included in the Certification Manual to expand on areas not covered by the regulation, such as compatibility with farm assurance schemes and food processing best practices.
Our experienced Certification Officers guide applicants through the requirements of the OF&G Certification Programme and assess the resulting reports from our inspectors. They then confirm compliance with the scheme and issue an organic certificate.
Certification Officers remain the main point of contact for licensees with regard to any queries about their certification.
Organic Cosmetic and Bodycare Standards
There is no legal requirement for natural cosmetics and bodycare products to be certified as organic. However, having them assessed by a recognised, trusted and independent third-party is an important selling point which brings confidence to shoppers.
OF&G has turned its expertise in organic inspection and licensing to this sector by developing its Cosmetic and Bodycare Standard.
This standard is based on the EU Organic Regulation (EC 834/2007) and the Nordic Ecolabelling Standards.
Compost Certification Scheme
OF&G is contracted by Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd (REAL), a subsidiary of the Renewable Energy Association, to offer PAS100 and the Compost Quality Protocol (or its equivalent in Scotland).
OF&G’s highly-trained and experienced Certification Officers guide applicants through the requirements of the scheme and assess the resulting reports from our inspectors, before confirming compliance with the scheme and issuing a certificate.
Certification Officers remain the main point of contact for licensees with regard to any queries about their certification.
Biofertiliser Certification Scheme
OF&G is contracted by Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd (REAL), a subsidiary of the Renewable Energy Association, to offer PAS110 and the Anaerobic Digestate Quality Protocol (or its equivalent in Scotland).
OF&G’s Certification Officers guide applicants through the requirements of the scheme and assess the resulting reports from our inspectors, before confirming compliance with the scheme and issuing a certificate.
Certification Officers remain the main point of contact for licensees with regard to any queries about their certification.
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QPD17 Scheme Regulations
Statement of OF&G's impartiality and independence so that objective and fair certification decisions can be made.
