The strength of the organic movement ultimately depends on its grassroots membership networks. We believe that vibrant local food communities are vital for the food systems of the future. Having a personal link with the land and the people who produce our food can be a life-changing experience. We want to promote these links to as many people as possible because we believe that only by working together can we influence the future of our food and farming. Soil Association local groups can help to create a better future for people, animals and the countryside at local and regional levels.

We are committed to supporting our growing Soil Association local group network which contributes to the transformation of the UK's food culture. These voluntary groups are celebrating local organic food; running educational community events with local farms; organising food festivals; enjoying shared meals; growing organic produce; learning and sharing knowledge about organic; influencing neighbours' and colleagues' attitudes. Soil Association local groups are diverse in size, structure and membership, but all share our vision of a sustainable future for food and farming.

Membership of a Soil Association local group can have the following benefits:

• New contacts with a network of people who have shared interests.
• Improved access to local organic food.
• Opportunities to promote and develop a local food culture.
• Learning about issues facing food and farming, eg a 'post peak oil' future.

» Find your nearest local group
Our map shows where our current local groups are and how to contact them. If you represent a Soil Association group, please help us keep your information up to date - contact us with any changes to your group's details.

» Start a local group
All our affiliated groups are run by volunteers who want to make a difference in their local food community. If there is currently no group in your area, why not start up a new group? Access our local group action pack which includes information and advice on how to find members, things to do and how to organise your group.

» Online local group forum
If you are a current local group member, looking for new members, or want to set up a new group, we have an online local groups forum for networking and sharing information. To post messages you need to register or log in (you just need your email address and a password).

» Buy organic food locally
If you are looking for where to buy organic food locally, have a look at our Organic Directory.

» Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and Organic Buying Groups project
If you're interested in getting more involved in where and how your food is grown, and receive a share of the harvest, you may be interested in our CSA and Organic Buying Groups project.