About Organics
Visit www.soilassociation.org for more information about all things organic. The sections below are taken from the Soil Association's site.
What is Organic?
We Are What We Eat
Organic systems recognise that our health is directly connected to the health of the food we eat and, ultimately, the health of the soil. Here are some of the main features of organic farming:
- Organic farming severely restricts the use of artificial chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
- Instead, organic farmers rely on developing a healthy, fertile soil and growing a mixture of crops.
- Animals are reared without the routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers common in intensive livestock farming.
“Organic” is legally protected
The term organic is defined by law – all organic food production and processing is governed by a strict set of rules. Look for the Soil Association symbol for your guarantee of the highest organic standards.
Why more people are choosing organic
Food safety
- Organic farmers, as far as possible, avoid using unnecessary chemical sprays. Food additives linked to asthma and heart disease are among those banned under organic standards.
The environment
- Organic farming is friendlier to the environment so there is a much greater diversity of birds, butterflies and plants on organic farms. Organic standards ban the use of GM technology.
Animal welfare
- Organic farming requires animals to be kept in more natural, free-range conditions with a more natural diet.
Taste
- Many people tell us they buy organic food because they believe it tastes better.
10 reasons to eat organic
- It's healthy
- No Nasty Additives
- Avoids pesticides
- GM-free
- Reliance on drugs removed
- No hidden costs
- High standards
- Care for animals
- Good for wildlife and the environment
- Top for taste
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.
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.
Over 400 chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming and residues are often present in non-organic food.
Genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are not allowed under organic standards.
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.
Tax payers fork out £120 million to pay for chemicals to be removed from drinking water, mainly as a result of the pesticides used in farming.
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.
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.
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 waste.
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.