Your Ultimate Guide to Achieving Organic Livestock Farming Certification in the UK: A 2023 Roadmap

Understanding the Importance of Organic Livestock Farming

Organic livestock farming is more than just a trend; it’s a crucial step towards sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and enhanced food safety. In the UK, where consumer demand for organic products is on the rise, transitioning to organic livestock farming can be a lucrative and environmentally friendly decision. Here’s why it matters:

Environmental Benefits: Organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which are significant contributors to water pollution and biodiversity decline. For instance, organic farms have been found to increase species richness by 30% and species abundance by 50% compared to conventional farms[3].
Animal Welfare: Organic standards are among the highest for animal welfare, ensuring better living conditions and health for livestock. This aligns with consumer concerns and government targets for animal health and welfare[3].
Climate Change: Organic farming practices, such as the use of biomass and low-carbon methods, help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the UK’s net zero goals. By promoting sustainable land use, organic farming minimizes the reliance on fossil fuels and reduces carbon emissions[3].

Navigating the Certification Process

Achieving organic livestock farming certification in the UK involves several steps, each designed to ensure compliance with stringent organic standards.

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Choosing the Right Certification Body

In the UK, the main certification bodies for organic farming include the Soil Association, Organic Farmers & Growers, and the Biodynamic Association. Each has its own set of requirements and processes.

Soil Association: Known for its rigorous standards, the Soil Association is one of the most recognized certification bodies. It offers comprehensive support and resources to help farmers through the certification process[3].

Meeting the Requirements

To become certified, farms must meet specific requirements that ensure the integrity of organic production.

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Land Use: Farms must have been free from prohibited substances for at least two years before applying for certification. This includes synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs)[5].
Animal Health and Welfare: Organic farms must adhere to strict animal welfare standards, including access to outdoor grazing, no use of antibiotics, and higher standards for living conditions[3].
Feed and Nutrition: Organic livestock must be fed organic feed, and the use of animal by-products is strictly regulated[3].

Key Steps in the Certification Process

Here is a detailed roadmap to guide you through the certification process:

1. Preparation and Planning

Before applying, it’s crucial to prepare your farm and understand the requirements.

Conduct a Farm Audit: Assess your current practices and identify areas that need to be adjusted to meet organic standards.
Develop a Conversion Plan: Create a detailed plan outlining the steps you will take to convert your farm to organic practices.

2. Application and Inspection

Once you are ready, you can submit your application and prepare for the inspection.

Submit Your Application: Provide detailed information about your farm, including land use, animal health and welfare practices, and feed sources.
On-Site Inspection: A certified inspector will visit your farm to ensure compliance with organic standards. This may include unannounced inspections to verify ongoing compliance[1].

3. Certification and Maintenance

After receiving certification, it’s essential to maintain compliance to avoid losing your organic status.

Annual Updates: Submit annual updates to your certification body to ensure ongoing compliance.
Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and improve your practices to align with evolving organic standards and best practices.

New Regulations and Implications

Recent changes in EU and UK regulations have significant implications for organic livestock farming.

EU Organic Regulations

The new EU Organic Regulation 2018/848, set to be fully implemented in 2025, shifts from an “equivalence” to a “compliance” system for imported organic products. This means all organic imports must abide by all EU legal requirements, including stricter internal control systems (ICSs) and documentation of potential contamination risks[1].

Impact on UK Farmers: While the UK has left the EU, these regulations still affect UK farmers exporting to the EU. Ensuring compliance with these new standards is crucial for maintaining market access.
Group of Operators and ICS Requirements: Smallholder farmer groups must comply with new definitions and binding legal requirements, including the formation of “Groups of Operators” and the implementation of robust ICSs[1].

UK Support Schemes

The UK government has introduced several support schemes to encourage sustainable farming practices, including the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme.

Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Scheme: This scheme pays farmers and land managers to adopt sustainable farming and land management practices. It includes actions such as no-tillage farming, precision farming, and the use of cover crops. The scheme is designed to protect the environment, support food production, and improve productivity[5].

Practical Insights and Actionable Advice

Here are some practical tips and insights to help you navigate the certification process and maintain organic standards:

Build a Strong Support Network

Join Organic Farming Associations: Organizations like the Soil Association and Organic Farmers & Growers offer valuable resources, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Consult with Experienced Farmers: Learning from farmers who have already gone through the certification process can provide invaluable insights and practical advice.

Invest in Continuous Education

Workshops and Training: Regularly attend workshops and training sessions to stay updated on the latest organic farming practices and regulatory changes.
Online Resources: Utilize online resources and webinars to enhance your knowledge and skills in organic livestock farming.

Focus on Sustainability

Use Biomass and Low-Carbon Methods: Implement sustainable practices such as using biomass for energy and adopting low-carbon farming methods to reduce your farm’s carbon footprint.
Optimize Land Use: Ensure efficient land use by implementing crop rotation, cover crops, and other sustainable land management practices.

Case Studies and Examples

Farnicombe Farm in Wiltshire

Jim Dufosee at Farnicombe Farm is a prime example of successful organic farming. His farm has recorded 32 red list species, including hen harriers, skylarks, polecats, and brown hares, demonstrating the potential of organic farming to reconcile food production with nature recovery[3].

Organic Dairy Farming

Organic dairy farming, as highlighted in the book “Advances in Organic Dairy Cattle Farming,” shows how organic practices can improve cattle health and welfare, product quality, and sustainability. This includes optimizing pasture-based production and promoting biodiversity[4].

Government Targets and Support

The UK government has set ambitious targets for organic farming and offers various support schemes to help farmers transition.

Government Targets

10% Organic Farmland Target: Environment groups are calling for 10% of farmland in England to be organic by 2030 to meet climate and nature goals, ensure food security, and meet consumer demand[2].
Net Zero Emissions: The government aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and organic farming is seen as a key strategy in reducing carbon emissions from agriculture[5].

Support Schemes

Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Scheme: This scheme provides financial support to farmers adopting sustainable farming practices, including organic methods[5].
Organic Action Plan: There is a growing call for an Organic Action Plan to boost organic production and consumption, making organic farming more accessible and supportive of government objectives on climate, nature, and food security[2].

Achieving organic livestock farming certification in the UK is a rewarding journey that requires careful planning, adherence to strict standards, and a commitment to sustainability. With the right support, resources, and practical advice, farmers can navigate the certification process successfully and contribute to a more sustainable food system.

As Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, aptly puts it: “Reducing the use of pesticides and artificial fertilisers is an essential part of the transition to wildlife-friendly farming. Organic systems have an important role to play, alongside other regenerative farming models. Organic farming is less costly on the earth, but UK organic is still viewed as an expensive, premium approach. The government should work with farmers to catch up with other countries to grow more food organically, giving more consumers the chance to choose healthy, nature-friendly products.”[2]

By embracing organic livestock farming, we can ensure a healthier environment, safer food, and a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Detailed Bullet Point List: Key Requirements for Organic Livestock Farming Certification

Land Use:
Land must be free from prohibited substances for at least two years.
Use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers is prohibited.
GMOs are not allowed.
Efficient land use through crop rotation and cover crops.
Animal Health and Welfare:
Access to outdoor grazing is mandatory.
No use of antibiotics except in cases of animal health emergencies.
Higher standards for living conditions, including space and hygiene.
Feed and Nutrition:
Organic livestock must be fed organic feed.
Use of animal by-products is strictly regulated.
Feed must be free from GMOs and synthetic additives.
Record Keeping:
Detailed records of land use, animal health, and feed sources must be maintained.
Annual updates to the certification body are required.
Inspections:
Regular on-site inspections, including unannounced visits.
Compliance with internal control systems (ICSs) for smallholder farmer groups.

Comprehensive Table: Comparison of Organic and Conventional Farming Practices

Practice	Organic Farming	Conventional Farming
Land Use	Prohibits synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Uses crop rotation and cover crops.	Uses synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. May use monoculture farming.
Animal Health and Welfare	Mandates outdoor grazing. Prohibits routine antibiotic use. Higher living standards.	May confine animals indoors. Routine antibiotic use is common. Lower living standards.
Feed and Nutrition	Organic feed required. No GMOs or synthetic additives.	Non-organic feed allowed. May include GMOs and synthetic additives.
Environmental Impact	Reduces water pollution. Increases biodiversity. Lowers greenhouse gas emissions.	Contributes to water pollution. Decreases biodiversity. Higher greenhouse gas emissions.
Food Safety	Emphasizes natural and sustainable practices. Lower risk of chemical residues.	May involve higher risk of chemical residues due to synthetic inputs.
Government Support	Eligible for support schemes like the SFI.	May receive different types of subsidies and support.

By understanding these differences and adhering to the strict standards of organic farming, farmers can not only contribute to a more sustainable environment but also ensure a safer and healthier food supply chain.