Organic farmers rear animals naturally and with great concern for their welfare. They also help to conserve the wildlife and natural habitats around their farms.

By embracing Organic Principals

The environment benefits:

Soil fertility is improved by adding organic matter and by natural nitrogen fixation.

Pollution of rivers, drains and aquifers is stopped.

Natural predators are no longer poisoned and a balanced population of bees, butterflies, birds and wild animals is encouraged.

A system is restored which encourages a better understanding of crops and animals.

Farmed animal welfare is improved:

Animals benefit from a reduction in disease and injury by being less intensively reared.

Barn hygiene is improved and thus the likelihood of pathogens is reduced.

Yields of eggs or milk are a function of natural feeding practice and are not artificially boosted to unnatural levels using hormones.

Birds and animals are treated with respect from birth to death.

Manures are not slurried, they are well rotted with vegetable matter to form pathogen free manures which add nitrogen to the soil naturally.

Organic products are more healthful:

Farm workers will no longer suffer from respiratory problems associated with handling farm chemicals.

Absence of chemical, hormone and antibiotic residues makes products safer to consume.

Absence of synthetic additives in processed foods reduced the likelihood of food intolerance.

Organic foods are what they say they are:

Organic principles do not permit the use of genetic modification.

Organic principles do not permit irradiation.

And... If you still need persuading !

Organic foods actually taste better!!

 

Ten reasons to buy organic

Soil Association information sheet

1.It's healthy
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.

2. No nasty additives
Organic food doesn't contain food additives which can cause health problems such as heart disease, osteoporisis, migraines and hyperactivity. Amongst the additives banned by the Soil Association are hydrogenated fat, aspartame (artificial sweetener) and monosodium glutamate.

3. Avoids pesticides
Over 400 chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming and residues are often present in non-organic food. The UK government has recently found high levels of pesticide residues in baby food, spinach, dried fruit, bread, apples, celery, and chips.

4. GM-free
Genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are not allowed under organic standards.

5. Reliance on drugs removed
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.

6. No hidden costs
Compare this with the £120m that tax payers fork out to pay for chemicals to be removed from drinking water, mainly as a result of the pesticides used in farming.

7. High standards
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.

8. Care for animals
Animal welfare is taken very seriously under organic standards and is supported by animal rights organisations such as Compassion in World Farming as well as the UK government.

9. Good for wildlife and the environment
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 wastes.

10. Top for taste
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.

How can I support the work of the Soil Association?
The Soil Association is a membership charity, we urgently need your support to continue our work. As public support for the Soil Association continues to grow, our ability to influence the thinking and policies of government and big business grows with it. In this way we help to develop a truly healthy and sustainable future. Join us today and help us to continue campaigning for sustainable agriculture and organic food. You can join the Soil Association on our website, over the phone or by writing to us.

Further Reading

Please see the Soil Association website library:
http://www.soilassociation.org/library, for more information

Soil Association
Campaigning for organic food and farming and sustainable forestry

Bristol House, 40-56 Victoria Street, Bristol BS1 6BY
T: 0117 929 0661
F: 0117 925 2504
E: info@soilassociation.org
www.soilassociation.org