Why are people choosing the organic option?

The Soil Association © The Soil Association 2004

A flavour to savour
Taste is a big attraction for many of the 3 out of 4 households now buying some organic foods.

Organic fruit and vegetables tend to grow more slowly and to have lower water content, which may contribute to the fuller flavour some people experience. Others say they can taste the difference with organic meat - perhaps because organic farmers aim to put their animals under less stress and to feed them as natural a diet as possible. In a recent taste test carried out by the Good Housekeeping Institute, organic foods fared better than non-organic in nine out of 11 categories.

The birds and the bees

Researchers have found that there tend to be bigger numbers and a greater variety of insects, birds and wild plants on organic farms than on non-organic farms. By killing many soil organisms and insects, the pesticides used routinely in intensive agriculture destroy many of the food sources upon which birds and small mammals depend for food.

Other items of interest

A question of health

Healthy eating is also a concern for a lot of organic consumers. Pesticide residues have been found in four out of 10 foods examined in official tests. As organic farming uses fewer pesticides, the Food Standards Agency says eating organic is a good way to reduce exposure to these chemicals. There has not been a single recorded case of BSE among cows born and raised on organic farms. Although not conclusive, a number of research studies suggest higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals in some , organic fruit and vegetables.

Even organic processed food is different - hydrogenated fat, artificial flavourings and sweeteners and most additives allowed in non-organic food production are banned by organic standards.

Animal magic

All animals on organic farms are kept free range, with access to fields and plenty of space to express their natural behaviour. They have comfortable bedding and plenty of space when they are housed. Organic farmers do not routinely dose their animals with antibiotics, only using these drugs in cases of serious illness. The docking of piglets' tails, which can sometimes lead to 'prolonged pain' according to the EU's Scientific Veterinary Committee, is banned by organic standards.