The Soil Association says it is “very disappointed” that the UK is to leave the European Union. But despite the Brexit vote the organic charity says the UK is “likely” to continue to be bound by the EU Organic Regulation.
In a statement, the Soil Association says: “UK wildlife, the environment and the organic farming sector have been major beneficiaries of EU membership, where the precautionary principle prevails in policy making. Thanks to EU policy, the UK has cleaned up its act as ‘the dirty man of Europe’ and now has cleaner beaches, rivers and better protection for wildlife, including our vital pollinators as a direct result of EU membership. It is vital that these gains are secured.”
The organic charity says it will work “hard to ensure that the transfer is smooth and that any subsequent changes safeguard the UK’s growing organic market”. And it says that it believes that UK will still be required to comply with EU organic standards to maintain the flow of organic products to and from the EU, and that the UK is “likely also continue to be bound” by the EU Organic Regulation, and any changes made to it by EU Member States.
It adds: “We will be working closely with the governments in all parts of the UK to develop the best possible practical solutions and outcome for wildlife, the environment and organic farmers. Those communities who are most vulnerable such as those on low incomes and upland farmers need to be foremost in our minds as we consider what policies should be developed over the next couple of years in preparation for our exit.”
