What is Organic?

Organic food production is a method that avoids any form of artificial intervention for livestock farming and agriculture. These methods do not harm the environment and wildlife. They completely avoid the use of artificial fertilisers, pesticides and the use of antibiotics is only when absolutely necessary.

The idea is quite simply to work in harmony with nature not fighting it with man-made chemicals. Organic farmers use crop rotation which makes the soil more fertile. They cannot grow genetically modified crops. Organic food does not contain food additives.

Organic methods benefit the soil, plants, animals and ourselves whilst protecting land resources, native plants, wildlife and natural ecosystems. As organic farming is friendlier to the environment there is a greater diversity of wild birds, butterflies and wild plants and flowers.

Animal welfare benefits as they are kept in more natural environment with free range conditions and a natural diet.

Reducing the use of nitrates and agrochemicals reduces the risk of contaminated ponds, lakes, streams, rivers and our tap water.

Overall organic food is better for our bodies and it tastes better.

Soil Association ten reasons to eat organic:-

1. It's healthy
   On average, organic food contains higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants.
2. No nasty additives
   Organic food doesn't contain food additives which can cause health problems such as heart disease, osteoporosis, migraines and hyperactivity. Amongst the additives banned by the Soil Association are hydrogenated fat, aspartame (artificial sweetener) and monosodium glutamate.
3. Avoids pesticides
   Over 400 chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming and residues are often present in non-organic food. The UK government has recently found high levels of pesticide residues in baby food, spinach, dried fruit, bread, apples, celery, and chips.
4. No GM
   Genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are not allowed under organic standards.
5. Reliance on drugs removed
   There is growing concern about the high use of antibiotics on farm animals and the possible effects on human health. Soil Association standards prohibit the routine use of antibiotics.
6. No hidden costs
   Compare this with the £120m that tax payers fork out to pay for chemicals to be removed from drinking water, mainly as a result of the pesticides used in farming.
7. High standards
   Organic food comes from trusted sources. All organic farms and food companies are inspected at least once a year. The standards for organic food are laid down in European law.
8. Care for animals
   Animal welfare is taken very seriously under organic standards. The benefits of the organic approach are acknowledged by animal welfare organisations such as Compassion in World Farming as well as the UK government.
9. Good for wildlife and the environment
   The UK government has said that it is better for wildlife, causes lower pollution from sprays, produces less carbon dioxide - the main global warming gas - and less dangerous wastes.
10. Top for taste
    Many people prefer organic food because they say it tastes better. A number of top chefs choose organic, and every year many are involved in the Soil Association's Organic Food Awards.