Our staff

Michelle Barrett, Certification officer

Michelle graduated from Oxford Brookes University in 2007 with an honours degree in Public Health Nutrition. After working in the food industry for a couple of years, Michelle joined Soil Association Certification in September 2009 as a Certification Officer in the processor team. Michelle is relatively new to health and beauty and started working in the sector in late 2010. She is keen to learn and enjoying the experience so far.

Michelle previously worked as a lab assistant for a flavouring and botanicals company, as well as in new product development for a home baking and spices company. Her biggest achievement was being involved in the product development process of their Disney relaunch (from ingredient sourcing through to packaging). She particularly enjoyed taking part in the professional photoshoot of the products. 

As well as working in the health and beauty sector on the team, Michelle will also be helping licensees from ambient and fresh produce.

Jonathan Troth, Inspector

Jonathan originally trained in agriculture and had worked in non-organic agriculture for five years prior to becoming involved in food processing. He worked as a production manager for an organic ice cream manufacturer for 3 years, then studied for a degree in Food Science and Technology at University of Plymouth. He then worked for a short while as a technologist for a desserts company before joining Soil Association Certification. He was originally interested in the role of inspection officer because of the home-based nature of the job, and the wide range of farms and processing operations that he would be able to inspect.

Variety and flexibility, working with and meeting great people, traveling to interesting places are just a few of the benefits of Jonathan’s role, however he also acknowledges that as with any job there are always challenges which must be overcome.

After a few years of seeing ‘organics in action’, Jonathan was convinced of the organic movement and along with his family, has decided to eat nearly 100% organic food at home. He is a strong advocate of challenging big industry and helping to offer alternative food that benefits people, small businesses and local communities.