Just a few reasons to join us as a member right now - and a chance to develop organic standards

Helen Browning on BBC CountryfileSoil Association Executive Director Helen Browning featured in Countryfile’s look at the organic market and ethical consumerism. She argues that organic certification is the one label that covers nearly all of the ethical concerns of consumers and that organic farming methods are the common-sense way into the future. Watch it here.   Get qualified in facing the future As global population hit seven billion in 2011, this exciting new postgraduate opportunity from Schumacher College considers how food systems become ecologically and financially sustainable in the face of changing climate and pressures on land, water and fossil fuel. Teachers will include leading activists and practitioners from around the world. This course will be a chance to really co-create a food system of the future. For more details, see here.

Becoming a member of the Soil Association is the best way to support the work we do. But did you know that membership entitles you to discounts from like-minded businesses?                Stay ethical. Even when you’re asleep. Abaca is offering Soil Association members a 15% discount on its handmade mattresses crafted with pure, organic lamb’s wool and cotton. See their webpage for details. Visit our Organic Connect webpage for similar offers from organic retailers made available for Soil Association members. And remember that you can join the Soil Association from as little as £2.00 a month.   Solar energy just got cheaper Southern Solar is offering Soil Association members a 5% discount on the installation of solar panels or solar thermal. The company has a long-standing commitment to the environment and to enabling the transition to a sustainable, low carbon future by harnessing the power of the sun. Our new affinity partnership will provide Soil Association members with advice, support and discounts. Members should quote ‘SA002’ to claim their discount.   So why did you become a member of the Soil Association? John from Farrington Gurney explains… ‘I believe that food shouldn’t cost the earth. I believe in sustainable, healthy food, sourced locally and 100% organic. I trust any product that carries the Soil Association symbol.’ If you would like to tell us why you're a member of the Soil Association, just email Abi at aedgar@soilassociation.org

Play a part in shaping our work Would like to help us develop our organic standards? There's currently a vacancy for a lay member on our Food Processing Standards & Trade committee. By joining the committee you would have a unique opportunity to take part in developing our food standards and trade activities. For more information, see here.   Soil Association Annual Conference 2012 - last chance to book! There's still time to book tickets for this year's annual conference on 2 March in London - but hurry - the deadline for booking is 27 February. Full details can be found on our website. We hope to see you there!  Thanks for reading   Stephen Last Head of Membership and Supporter Care        Remember, if you like organic, you'll love Wikaniko