The role of ‘Pressure’ Groups Emma Hockridge Policy team

Overview What is the Soil Association? What is a ‘pressure group’? What is a ‘campaign’? Practical example of a campaign Working with others Conclusions

Soil Association -History -Started in 1946: Group of farmers, agricultural scientists & doctors -‘Healthy Soil, Healthy People, Healthy Planet’

What is a ‘Pressure Group’? Dictionary entry: pres·sure group Noun: ‘A group that tries to influence public policy in the interest of a particular cause’. Synonyms: lobby

What is a ‘campaign’ / what does it mean to ‘campaign/?

A summary of Soil Association charity role Work with governments and decision-makers Act as the voice of the organic movement Educate consumers about sustainable, healthy food choices

Policy and campaigns Lead on policy matters important to the industry: sustainable and organic farming, GM, pesticides Lobby government on food, farming, health and environmental policies Publish reports, for example Soil Carbon that demonstrate contribution of organic to climate change, human health, feeding the world Campaigns like Better Nursery Food Now - an expose on nursery food,

Soil Association Certification - Soil Association Certification Ltd is a subsidiary of the charity which undertakes certification. -Soil Association Certification is the UK's largest organic certification body, responsible for certifying around 80% of all organic products sold in the country. - Certify organic food and farming, organic textiles and organic beauty products. - The Soil Association organic logo on pack is the most recognised in the UK and a guarantee produce meets the highest organic standards.

Education and awareness Over 100 open farms – 1M visitors per year Over 27,000 public members Living Earth magazine Supporters with a circulation of 60,000

Practical Projects

70% of members say their overall quality of life has improved

M EMBERS TOP MOTIVATIONS... Sustainably produced food Healthy high quality food To support local farmers

Food for Life Catering Mark and Partnership Working with over 3,200 schools to promote an improved food culture and better understanding and education of seasonal, local and organic food Aim is to encourage fresh, healthy meals – organic is not only focus 3 tier award scheme to encourage food that is fresh, healthy, some local and organic and free from harmful additives and trans fats in catering services including restaurants Over 90 million meals served a year to Catering Mark standards

Example Campaign Hospital Food Highlighting positive examples of good practice within hospitals Pointing out the problems via an independent research report Outcomes Encouraging other hospitals to improve food provision Further publicise the importance of good food for health Giving opportunities for farmers to supply

Increasing demands on resources Water Peak oil Nitrogen fertilisers Peak Phosphate Source: White and Cordell

Soil Association future plans The Road to 2020….

Working with other groups con·sen·sus /k ə n ˈ sens ə s/ Noun: General agreement. Synonyms: accord - agreement - unanimity

Conclusions Wide range of views The role of ‘pressure groups’ and ‘campaigns’ is broad Importance of good research Working together

Thank you!