Cost of Herb Production
across the UK

# Herb Production Accreditation

The UK herb production sector is regulated and supported by several key trade bodies and schemes. The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is the main membership organisation for the horticulture industry and represents growers, retailers, and suppliers; members must comply with industry standards and best practices. For organic herb production specifically, the Soil Association is the leading certification body, ensuring producers meet strict organic standards and environmental requirements. Additionally, the Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS) operated by the Fresh Produce Consortium provides traceability and food safety certification for fresh herbs, while some producers may also hold British Retail Consortium (BRC) certification, which covers food safety and quality management. These accreditations signal that a producer adheres to recognised standards for plant health, pesticide use, food safety, and environmental responsibility, providing reassurance about the quality and legitimacy of their operation.

To verify a provider's accreditation, start by asking for their certification details and checking their membership status directly with the relevant body's website—the HTA, Soil Association, and Fresh Produce Consortium all maintain public registers of accredited members. Request to see their certificates and any inspection reports or audit documentation they're willing to share, and check whether their certifications are current or have expired. It matters because accreditation means the provider has been independently assessed, follows documented procedures, and is subject to ongoing monitoring and compliance requirements. This reduces the risk of poor practices, contamination, or unsubstantiated claims about their products. Unaccredited providers may still operate legally but lack this external verification, making it harder to trust their standards or resolve disputes should problems arise.

Accredited herb producers typically charge higher prices than non-accredited competitors, and this premium usually reflects genuine added value. Accreditation requires investment in systems, training, inspections, and documentation,