Why choose organic?

There is no doubt that planet earth is in troubling times and the human body is under a constant barrage of chemicals.  Choosing organic living is one of the steps we take to avoid the harmful chemicals in our environment and protect our soils for future generations.

If you want tips on eating organic without breaking the bank then visit our blog organic food on a budget.

Why Choose Organic?

1. It is Nutritionally Superior

Studies show there is between 18% and 69% more antioxidants than food produced using non-organic methods (1). Correspondingly, studies have shown similar results with milk – there is no system of farming which produces milk with higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids.

2. It is food you can trust

Organic food comes from trusted sources. Any food products labelled as organic must meet a strict set of standards which define what farmers and food manufacturers can and cannot do in the production of organic food.

3. Artificial chemical fertilisers are prohibited

Instead organic farmers develop a healthy, fertile soil by growing and rotating a mixture of crops, adding organic matter such as compost or manure and using clover to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere.

As a result, organic farming reduces disruption to the natural environment and pollution.

4. Pesticides are severely restricted

Non-organic food production makes wide use of pesticides. Around 31,000 tonnes of chemicals are used in farming in the UK each year to kill weeds, insects and other pests that attack crops.

These are severely reduced on organic farms. – Soil Association organic farmers are able to use just eight, derived from natural ingredients, but only under very restricted circumstances. This makes organic farms a haven for wildlife and provides homes for bees, birds and butterflies. In fact, plant, insect and bird life is up to 50% greater on organic farms.

5. Animal welfare is at the heart of the system and organic animals are truly free-range

No system of farming has higher animal welfare standards than farms working to Soil Association organic standards. As well as requiring that animals are genuinely free range, organic standards cover living conditions, food quality, the use of antibiotics and hormones, as well as transport and slaughter.

6. Protecting our soil for future generations to grow healthy food

Organic farming creates a healthy living soil. Organic farmers aim to select crop varieties with natural resistance to particular pests and diseases, with the aim of reducing or avoiding disease problems and the need to control them with chemical inputs. A mixed farming approach with crop rotations helps break cycles of pests and disease and builds fertility in the soil.

7. The routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers is banned

The British Medical Association is concerned that the “risk to human health from antibiotic resistance is one of the major health threats that could be faced in the 21st century”. In organic farming systems, animals are reared without the routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers common in intensive livestock farming – routine or preventative use of antibiotics is banned. The farmer will instead use preventative methods, like moving animals to fresh pasture and keeping smaller herd and flock sizes.

8. Genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are banned.

Over a million tonnes of GM crops are imported each year to feed the majority of non-organic livestock which produce chicken, eggs, pork, bacon, milk, cheese and other dairy products.

GM ingredients, animal feed and crops are banned under Soil Association Organic Standards.

To us it just makes sense that we should support this movement and our family by eating organic food. No system of farming is more bee friendly and it works with nature and we think it tastes better too!

Join us and go Organic.