Return to Physical Inspections and Audits

Return to physical Organic on-farm inspections & processor site audits

For the last two years, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, OF&G Scotland have been undertaking remote inspections for many Members and not physically conducting visits on-farm or to processing premises.  This had been possible due to a derogation granted by Defra authorising an exemption from the need for a physical on-site inspection as required in the organic regulations (known as COVID Easements).

Whilst there are still many uncertainties regarding COVID-19, OF&G (Scotland) were informed by Defra late in 2021 that once all related national movement restrictions had been lifted across the UK the COVID Easements would be removed.

Given there are no longer any movement restrictions caused by national measures related to the COVID Pandemic Defra has notified all organic certification bodies that as a result, in agreement with the devolved administrations, the COVID Easements have been lifted and remote inspections are no longer an option.   All organic inspections must now be conducted on-farm or at the processing premises.

Of course, it goes without saying that farm Inspectors &Processing Auditors are required to follow current COVID-19 advice as too should SOPA Members.

If you have any questions or concerns about the return to physical inspections please contact your Certification Officer directly.

The latest Government COVID-19 guidance can be found here.