Under the new deal the two organisations can offer organic farmers and growers as well as food manufacturers a joint inspection and certification service.

'The partnership will see savings for the entire food industry in terms of cost and time as multiple inspections can be carried out under one roof,' said Efsis managing director Mark Proctor. 'Efsis is now able to undertake an accredited supplier inspection or farm inspection at the same time as an organic inspection in the food processing and farming sectors.' OF&G was the first organic certification body to be accredited by the UK Register of Organic Food Standards. It helps ensure standards can be achieved in a commercial environment. 'Our expertise in organic farming coupled with Efsis's knowledge of food processing ensures a deep understanding of the total organic market, giving the industry added confidence to develop the organic sector,' said OF&G chairman Charles Peers.