Jeff Rooker, Minister for Sustainable Farming, Food and Animal Welfare, today announced the first independent review of the Advisory Committee on Organic Standards (ACOS).
ACOS was created in 2003 and the review is in line with Government recommendations to periodically review public bodies to ensure they are delivering high quality services.
The review will look at and make recommendations on:
* the Committee's future development and governance;
* the quality and impact of the Committee's advice; and
* the Committee's working methods, its resources and how they are managed.
Jeff Rooker said:
"In carrying out the study, the review will consider a variety of evidence on the performance of ACOS and will consult with relevant organisations and stakeholders who have experience of the Committee's work "
The review will be carried out by consultants who are independent of ACOS and Defra. They will work closely with stakeholders who have been involved in the work of the Committee and are expected to report by the end of the year.
