Why organic?

Organic Farming

What is organic food? There is much concern that traditional western farming with it’s reliance on intensive practices, pesticides and fungicides are putting our planet and environment in danger as the chemicals infiltrate our eco systems and upset the natural balance. Not only that but many are convinced that food produced by the more natural and gentle organic methods is not only better for us, but is fairer and kinder to the animals. Here is a list of criteria organic farmers and growers measure themselves against:

• pesticides are severely restricted – instead organic farmer develop nutrient-rich soil to grow strong healthy crops and encourage wildlife to helpcontrol pests and disease.
• artificial chemical fertilisers are prohibited – instead organic farmers develop a healthy, fertile soil by growing and rotating a mixture of crops using clover to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere.
• animal cruelty is prohibited and a truly free-range life for farm animals is guaranteed.
• the routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers is disallowed - instead the farmer will use preventative methods, like moving animals to fresh pasture and keeping smaller herd size.
• the production and use of GM in animal feed is banned.

Because of this extra care to protect the environment and the animals, and using more ‘considerate’ fertilisers and chemicals, organic produce can be a little more expensive at times.

How do you know your food really is organic?

Organic produce is grown and made against a very specific and rigorous set of criteria. Before it can be labelled ‘organic’ it must be inspected and approved by one of the organic certification bodies approved by the Government like the Soil Association or the Organic Farmers and Growers or the Organic Food Federation