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Why Organic?

For many people eating organic food is part of everyday life. However, for others it is uncommon and the reasons for eating organic food are just gibberish. Here we have provided a comprehensive and simple list of the benefits of eating organic food.

Health

Due to the way organic food is grown and produced it generally contains higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals such as magnesium, iron and chromium, that we can easily become deficient in, especially when living such busy lives. Organic food can also be higher in antioxidants, which are nature’s anticancer agents.

No Worrying Additives

So many foods these days are full of additives, which have been linked to certain health conditions such as heart disease, migraines and hyperactivity, especially in children. Organic food is strictly monitored and amongst the additives banned by the Soil Association are aspartame (sweetener), monosodium glutamate and hydrogenated fat.

GM-Free

There has been much debate on the use of genetically modified fruit, vegetables and crops in the UK over the past few years. The exact impact of these crops on the British farming industry, and also to our health, is still not known. Under organic standards the use of genetically modified crops is prohibited in any organic food.

Avoidance of Pesticides

Conventional farming routinely uses over 400 pesticides in the growing of its crops. High levels of these pesticide residues have been found in such food as bread, apples, baby food and chips. Organic farming avoids the use of such pesticides, making the food healthier and more reassuring.

Reliance of Drugs for Animals Removed

Another issue of growing concern in the British farming industry is the routine use of antibiotics on animals to keep them disease free. This can cause possible resistance to antibiotics in animals, making more ‘super bugs’ within our environment. There is also growing concern about the effect of this on human health, therefore the Soil Association standards prohibit the routine use of antibiotics.

More Cost Effective

About £120 million of taxpayers’ money is used to rid crops, fruit and vegetables of pesticides and chemicals from conventional farming. Organic food does not use these chemicals and therefore the taxpayer’s money is not needed. Although there is a slight premium on organic food, bear in mind organic farm animals must, by law, be well looked after and organic crops must be grown to the highest standard, which can cost more.

Animal Welfare
Animal Welfare is taken extremely seriously under any organic standards. Organic animals have access to the outdoors, and are not confined in cramped, stressful living conditions. Organically reared animals are not allowed GM food, growth promoting drugs or routine antibiotics. Caring continues after the farm gate, as transport and slaughter are made as humane as possible. Compassion in World Farming says: "Look for the Soil Association logo for a guarantee of the highest welfare standards in the UK."

Environmental Issues
Due to the way organic farmers grow their produce with lack of chemicals and pesticides, there has been a great benefit to the environment by the encouragement of more farm birds on land and also the lack of pollution in nearby streams and rivers. These can be polluted with chemicals and pesticides washed into them by rain from nearby fields. Organic farms also use a system of crop rotation and make sure the soil is composted with natural products and not any artificial fertiliser, which can also be a cause for concern for nearby wildlife and the environment.

High Standards
Organic food comes from strictly monitored farms and food companies, which are inspected at least once a year. Guidelines for the production of organic food are laid down by European law.

Greater for Taste
A lot of top chefs have promoted the use of organic food and spoken of the difference in taste. Upon hearing about this taste difference I didn’t quite believe it. When tasting my first organic potatoes I was extremely surprised by how much better the taste was. I still get that feeling when tasting new organic food. Try a taste test for yourself: you will be pleasantly surprised.