Organic

Organic farming has become one of the most popular phases in consumerism to hit the world this century. In 2006, organic food and drink sales nudged the £2 billion mark for the first time, and showed a 22 per cent growth overall. It has been co-opted by most major supermarkets who recognise its potential power to attract consumers by assuring the concern of companies for the environment. In the eyes of the media, to have organic products on your shelf is to command respect, demonstrating an awareness of green issues and the importance of the environment.

So what exactly does 'organic' mean? Organic farming is a method of growing food using processes that are friendlier to the environment. Farmers radically reduce the number of chemicals they use, instead growing clover and adding manure to the land to make the soil more fertile. Weeds, pests and diseases are controlled by changing the type of crops grown in a field each year (a programme known as crop rotation.) Organic farming does not only concern food 'crops', but has an important role to play in assuring conditions for animals. It ensures that chickens, cows, pigs and other animals that are bred for food have a good quality of life and the best living conditions that can be provided. For example, an organic chicken will be allowed to roam free, will be fed with high-quality food and will not suffer the damaging effects of intensive rearing. There are several aims of organic farming, a few of which are outlined here:

To interact in a constructive and life-enhancing way with natural systems and cycles
To help in the conservation of soil and water
To use, as far as possible, renewable resources in locally organised agricultural systems
To give all livestock conditions of life which allow them to live and perform as naturally as possible in their environments
To ensure food of high nutritional quality in sufficient quantity

Organic produce, indicated by the Soil Association Badge, is often preferred by consumers because of the guarantees it carries - it promises a product comparatively free from chemicals, from an environment that is sustainable and that enhances biodiversity, and produced in conditions that are to the benefit of both animals and plants. Some critics have tried to play down the advantages of organic products, but thus far their claims have lacked any substantial evidence.

Common organic products include:

Most fruit and veg - apples, carrots, pears, lettuce, tomatoes etc
Cereal based products - granola, muesli, cereal bars, wheat and oat cereals
Common carbohydrates - bread, pasta, rice, grains
Snack products - jams, peanut butter, biscuits, cakes, sugar
Dairy products - milk, yoghurts, cheese, desserts
Drinks - tea, coffee, juices/smoothies, fizzy drinks.....in fact, almost every product in the supermarket offers an organic alternative!

Useful websites

www.soilassociation.org
This institution is responsible for endorsing products that pass the 'organic' test; their website has detailed information on organic farming, its benefits, where to buy organic produce, and also an educational section

www.pornotesten.com
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www.aboutorganics.co.uk
Information on different ways to go organic and the aspects of life that can be made 'organic', as well as details of upcoming organic events

www.organicgarden.org.uk
How to grow your own organic food, with useful tips and advice