About Us
The South African Organic Sector Organisation (SAOSO) is a non-profit organisation focused on uniting and growing the organic agriculture sector in South Africa.
Our Vision
Building resilient, eco-friendly, and biodiverse food systems for a sustainable South Africa.
Our Mission
To facilitate the transition to ecologically sound and sustainable systems of agriculture through training and skills development, research, programme development, maintaining standards in ecological practices, knowledge exchange, advocacy and policy development, growing awareness, as well as facilitating trade through market participation, and networking across South Africa.
Why SAOSO was Formed
In 2008, the NEDLAC Trade and Industries Chamber Fund for Research into Industrial Development Growth and Equity (FRIDGE) study was published.
This study developed a value chain strategy for sustainable development and the growth of organic agriculture and included the establishment of a body to represent the organic sector in the country. Subsequently in 2009, SAOSO was founded.
SAOSO and PGS SA
In 2023, the two voluntary associations SAOSO and Participatory Guarantee System South Africa (PGS SA) merged enabling operations to be streamlined.
PGS SA now functions as a division within SAOSO and continues to support the establishment of communities of practice and PGS groups that help facilitate local market access for organic and agroecological farmers.
Our Guiding Principles
A member of IFOAM Organics International, SAOSO is guided by the four principles of organic farming: health, fairness, ecology and care.
We recognise that food sovereignty begins with the right to seed, and respect for the soil and biodiversity. Our work is linked to the achievement of all the Sustainable Development Goals and the Seventh Generation Principle.
The Seventh Generation Principle is an Indigenous Knowledge concept that encourages us to think seven generations ahead – about 140 years into the future – and to decide whether our decisions today will benefit those children seven generations from now into our future.
We Are Guided By:
The right to life, respect, and health free from contamination and genetic manipulation.
Prioritising justice, human dignity and the well-being of the indigenous communities.
Section 24 of the Constitution
Everyone is entitled to a healthy environment and it must be protected from harm.
A shared responsibility for well-being, creating a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society.
Organic Sector
Working Groups
Organic sector working groups unite experts, farmers and stakeholders to collaborate on best practices, policy advocacy, market development, standards and training. These groups play a crucial role in promoting sustainable farming and tackling the unique challenges of organic and agroecological agriculture. Their collective efforts strengthen the growth, integrity and resilience of the organic sector.
