Why the confusion?
Many compost bags carry the word “organic” — but it can mean very different things:
| Term on Bag | What It Really Means |
|---|---|
| Made from organic matter | Everything once living is “organic chemistry.” This has nothing to do with certification. |
| Organic ingredients | Inputs such as manures, plant waste, or wool may come from organic farms — but the final compost isn’t necessarily approved for certified organic growing. |
| Certified organic | The finished compost has been inspected and approved by a recognised body such as the Soil Association or OF&G (Organic Farmers & Growers) for use in organic systems. |
Only the last category guarantees compliance with organic-farming standards.
Look for certification logos (Soil Association, OF&G, or EU organic leaf) printed clearly on the bag or listed on the supplier’s website.
Who certifies composts in the UK?
- Soil Association (SA) – certifies horticultural and farm inputs that meet full organic-system standards.
- OF&G (Organic Farmers & Growers) – similar scope; often used for PAS100-based green-waste composts suitable for organic holdings.
- Others – smaller schemes or EU organic equivalence, less common on UK retail composts.
To qualify, producers must document all inputs, show the process avoids contamination, and demonstrate compost maturity and safety.
Examples of certified organic composts
- Dalefoot Composts – entire range now Soil Association approved, made from natural wool and bracken.
- RocketGro – several peat-free lines Soil Association certified for organic growing.
- Earth Cycle – PAS100 compost approved for organic use by OF&G.
These are exceptions rather than the rule — most bagged Multipurpose Composts are not formally certified, even if they use organic materials.
For full listings and certification notes, see the [[REV-L7 Compost Brands & Certification Table]].
How to check your bag
- Look for a certification logo (Soil Association, OF&G).
- Check the small print — phrases like “meets PAS100” or “for organic gardens” do not always mean certified.
- Visit the certifier’s website – both SA and OF&G keep searchable databases of approved products.
- Ask the supplier – reputable brands will confirm their current certification status.
Why certification matters
If you’re simply gardening at home, “organic-style” compost is perfectly fine. If you’re selling plants or produce as organic, certification is legally required.
Certified composts guarantee:
- No synthetic fertiliser or pesticide residues
- Documented clean input streams
- Traceable process under independent audit
Summary
“Organic” on the bag doesn’t always mean certified. For full assurance, look for the Soil Association or OF&G logo — or check our [[Buying Guide – Labels and Certifications]] page for help decoding compost packaging.
Disclaimer.
Brand names such as Westland, SylvaGrow, RocketGro, Dalefoot, Carbon Gold, and others mentioned on this site are registered trademarks of their respective owners. MultipurposeCompost.co.uk includes these examples for informational and comparative purposes only and does not claim endorsement, affiliation, or suitability for any specific use. Gardeners and buyers should always check current product specifications and manufacturer guidance before purchase or application.
