The Soil Association believes it is vital that organic standards are kept high and enforced effectively. Because we are independent, we can maintain our own standards. To help us do this we have set up a standards board and a number of standards committees. The board and committees are made up of our members and licensees, researchers, advisors, other experts in their field, together with independent people and consumer representatives. These committees consider proposals and amendments to the standards and advise us on other relevant policy issues. Their recommendations are circulated to all members and licensees for consultation. The board makes a final recommendation on new/amended standards, which are then ratified by our elected council. Over 100 people are involved in the committees, all giving their time and expertise freely to the process of standards development. We are very grateful for the work they do and the commitment they demonstrate. This rigorous and open process ensures standards remain high, yet attainable. The standards board » More information about the standards board The standards committees are: Agriculture Aquaculture Ethical trade Food processing Forestry Health products Horticulture Textiles Click on a committee title for a summary, current issues they are working on and a list of members.