Organic Farming and growing

There are six good reasons why buying organic food is better for you and better for the environment too.

1. Healthier! - Organic food generally contains more vitamins and minerals - is far more full of flavour as a result.  It is also produced without chemicals, insecticides and herbicides.

2. Organic farming has banned the use of all genetically modified organisms (GMO's) including seeds, crops and animals. Even the food of organic animals is GMO free!

3. Organic standards require farmers to care for the countryside. This includes maintaining hedgerows, streams and other natural features and planting trees - good for biodiversity.

4. Organic standards prioritise animal welfare. Livestock are not given routine antibiotics or growth promoting drugs nor do they allow high-density stocking of any animal or poultry.

5. Organic farms are excellent for wildlife. Surveys show that more birds and butterflies are found on organic farms.

6. Organic farms generally employ more people, helping to safeguard the rural fabric and contribute towards the local economy.

For more information visit: www.soilassociation.org or www.organicfarmers.org.uk or www.biodynamic.org.uk or www.gardenorganic.org.uk

Another organisation that promotes smaller-scale, sustainable food production using non-polluting methods is the Wholesome Food Association who also don’t allow any artificial inputs of pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers and who encourage the maintenance of biodiversity and raising animals to high standards of welfare.

For more information visit: www.wholesome-food.org.uk