Certifier CEO appointed to Government advisory body

The Chief Executive of a leading organic certification body has been announced as a new member of a key Government advisory committee. Richard Jacobs, of Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G), is to join the Advisory Committee on Organic Standards (ACOS).

The committee is made up of a wide ranging membership, drawn from across the organic sector in the UK. It's members provide advice on organic standards as well as research and development, in addition to monitoring the work of the nine certification bodies operating across the country.

Mr Jacobs, himself a former organic farmer, said: "I'm very pleased to have been appointed to ACOS. There is serious work to be done as the organic sector continues to grow and there are some key challenges to face.

"Members of ACOS are well-placed to bring their experience and expertise to the table to ensure that ministers get the best advice on the development and management of what is an increasingly important part of UK food and farming. I look forward to playing my part in that."

Appointments to ACOS are made jointly by the Secretary of State for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Scotland Minister for Environment and Rural Development, the Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside of the National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland's Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Organic Farmers & Growers is one of the UK's leading organic certification bodies and was the first to be approved by the Government to carry out the inspection and licensing of organics.

ENDS

For more information or to arrange an interview with Richard Jacobs please contact: Mark Waugh, PR & Media Manager, Organic Farmers & Growers, on 01743 440512 or email mark.waugh@organicfarmers.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

- Organic Farmers & Growers inspects and licenses organic farming, food processing, cosmetic and bodycare products, textiles, catering, slaughter and meat cutting as well as other organic enterprises.
- The company has it's national headquarters in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, with inspectors based throughout the UK.