Naturopathic Nutritionist

Organic for Everyone: When Certification Becomes a Barrier

Organic has always been important to me. I believe choosing organic is not only about what we put on or in our bodies, but also about how we care for the soil, plants, animals and the planet we depend on.
That is why, when I began making my own soap, I made a conscious decision to use exclusively organic ingredients. My oils, butters, botanicals and essential oils are sourced from organic - certified suppliers. I believe in knowing where my ingredients come from and choosing them with care.

When I first began looking into certification, I was genuinely excited by the thought that one day I could proudly display the Soil Association logo on my soaps as a symbol of quality, sustainability and my commitment to organic principles. That excitement quickly disappeared when I discovered that the cost of doing so was simply inaccessible to a small business like mine - over £2,000 every year.

When doing the right thing becomes unaffordable

I understand why organic certification exists. It provides standards, accountability and reassurance to consumers. But I find it difficult to understand why a small maker using exclusively certified organic ingredients needs to carry such a substantial additional cost simply to certify the finished product.
The farmers and suppliers who produce my ingredients have already invested in meeting organic standards and maintaining their certification. Their work supports organic farming from the very beginning of the supply chain.

If I were to pursue the certification route, that additional expense would inevitably be reflected in the price of my soaps, making them unnecessarily expensive and less accessible.

And this is where I find myself asking: to what purpose?

Organic should be part of the future

I want organic to become more accessible - not something reserved for those who can afford to pay a premium. In fact, I believe organic should be the norm, not the exception.
Organic farming is not a new or fashionable concept. For generations, our ancestors farmed without synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, working with animal manure and the natural cycles of the land. The widespread use of industrial farming methods is relatively recent. In many ways, organic is simply a return to practices we once knew well.

If we want more people to choose organic, we need a system that supports farmers, encourages small producers and makes organic products more attainable for ordinary households.
Organic farming offers benefits that go far beyond the individual. Healthier soils, greater biodiversity and more sustainable, regenerative ways of working with the land can help create healthier food and support better health, while protecting the resources we depend on for generations to come. I believe this is an important part of building a healthier, more sustainable future.

For now, I have chosen not to pursue organic certification for my soaps. My commitment to organic remains the same, but I believe it is important to question a system that can make organic production inaccessible to small businesses.

I hope that, in my own small way, I can contribute to making organic more accessible - and to a conversation about how we can make the organic movement stronger, fairer and more accessible for everyone.