Organic Members Invited to Meet Minister for Rural Affairs

The Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA) has invited their members to a member gathering on the 6th of February, where they will have the chance to meet MSP Mairi Gourgeon, Minister For Rural Affairs and the Environment.

SOPA members are invited for a light evening meal and a chance to chat with fellow organic producers and processors from the Tayside, Angus and Kincardineshire area.

MSP Mairi Gougeon, Minister For Rural Affairs and the Environment, and Member for Angus North and Mearns will be in attendance at the event, giving SOPA’s members the chance to informally engage with her about organic food and farming in Scotland.

This free event for SOPA Members will take place on the 6th of February at The Finavon Hotel near Forfar. Members are encouraged to register their interest here

SOPA (Scottish Organic Producers Association) has led the Scottish organic sector since 1988, operating as a member co-operative representing more organic businesses in Scotland than any other organisation.

Debs Roberts, SOPA Policy Manager, had the following to say about the event:

“We are pleased to have Mairi Gougeon attending our members event, and we think it will be a useful opportunity for SOPA members to discuss the current challenges facing the organic industry in Scotland, especially the lack of an AECS Organic Conversion application window this year ”

She continued:

“Events like this allow us to catch up with members face to face and gives them the chance to ask questions or flag up any problems, which we can help solve.”

When an organic business joins SOPA, either as a food processing company or a farmer starting organic conversion, they become a member and have access to numerous member benefits, including certification to Scottish organic standards. Anyone interested in finding out more about organic certification can get in touch with SOPA Member Services on 0300 772 9795 or email info@sopa.org.uk