Review of Advisory Committee on Organic Standards (ACOS)
A review of the Advisory Committee on Organic Standards (ACOS) a Defra Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB) was launched in August 2007.
The review was completed in Spring 2008 and the report has now been published: Review of the Advisory Committee on organic standards (ACOS) 2007 (PDF 402 KB). A information bulletin has been issued.
It will evaluate ACOS in the light of available evidence, to determine whether the functions it carries out are still required and if so whether the ACOS model is still the most efficient and cost effective way of carrying out those functions.
Organic stakeholders will be closely involved throughout the review. A formal 12 week consultation is not planned as it would be unlikely to result in suggestions that will not emerge through a stakeholder consultation. Such a consultation would also delay implementation of the outcomes of the review which forms part of Defra’s ongoing NDPB review programme.
The review will be completed early in 2008. Once it has reported, Defra will, with the Devolved Administrations, examine its recommendations and consider how they should be implemented.
Please read the detailed Q&A below which provides background information on the review
- Why review ACOS now?
- Who is carrying out this review?
- How were they selected?
- What will the reviewers be looking at?
- Who will be involved in the review?
- What happens in the interim - is it business as usual for ACOS and its sub committees?
- Does the timing of this review imply a change in the Government’s policy on organic farming?
- How will Defra / the reviewers keep everyone informed of developments/outcome?
- When will the review report?
- What will happen then?
1. Why review ACOS now?
NDPBs are subject to regular review. A review of ACOS, which was set up at the end of 2003, is now due.
2. Who is carrying out this review?
The review will be conducted by Drew Associates Ltd.
3. How were they selected?
By competitive tender.
4. What will the reviewers be looking at?
The reviewers will examine the need for stakeholder advice to Defra on organic standards and what is required of Defra in terms of controlling the organic inspection bodies and will make recommendations on how best to handle these issues.
5. Who will be involved in the review?
The reviewers will consult widely among the stakeholders, both within and outside the organic sector, as well as consulting ACOS and officials in Defra and the Devolved Administrations.
6. What happens in the interim - is it business as usual for ACOS and its sub committees?
Yes.
7. Does the timing of this review imply a change in the Government’s policy on organic farming?
No.
8. How will the Defra / the reviewers keep everyone informed of developments/outcome?
Regular messages about the progress of the review will be posted on Defra’s website.
9. When will the review report?
The review will be completed early in the New Year.
10. What will happen then?
Once it has reported, Defra will, with the Devolved Administrations, examine its recommendations and consider how best they should be implemented.
Page last modified: 19 October 2007
Page published: 30 August 2007