Worth over £1 billion

What’s the fastest growing part of the food and drink trade? Surprisingly it’s not sweets or snacks - it’s organic. Growing at almost £2 million a week at the last count, organic is popular with the public.

A sometimes bewildering array of products bearing the label ‘organic’ are in our shops. But what does this label mean and is it worth the money?

Why do people buy it?

Many people find organic food tastier. Some buy organic because they care about their health, want to eat food high in nutrients, to avoid pesticide residues, harmful additives and processing techniques. For others it is the animal welfare issues or appreciation for the environmental benefits of organic farming that persuades them to pay the extra.

But what is it?

Organic is about giving people the option to choose products to form part of a healthy lifestyle, produced with respect for our health, for animals and the world we live in. Despite often being portrayed in terms of the things it excludes, such as pesticides and harmful additives, organic is actually a system that is all about positives.

At the heart of all products certified to the Soil Association’s standards there is a genuine commitment to positive health for people, farm animals and our environment. This is backed up by a definition of organic food laid down in EU law, alongside a robust certification and inspection procedure.

Organic farmers encourage a healthy soil full of life, which is able to provide plants, animals and people with a whole range of essential nutrients.

Animals are encouraged to develop health and vitality. This is done by minimising stress, giving the animals space, access to free range, a healthy diet and when possible allowing them to express their natural behaviour.

Feeding the world

This is all very well for those of us in a position to choose how our food is produced, but for millions of people, the priority is just getting enough food to eat. Is organic just for the wealthy?

Organic techniques have been proven to benefit farmers in southern hemisphere countries. They can improve the soil condition, reduce the risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals and often produce higher yields. For cash poor, labour rich countries, organic systems offer a positive and realistic alternative.

Buy something organic

When you buy something that is certified organic, whether it’s an apple, a packet of crisps, a T-shirt or a bottle of shampoo you are buying a product that’s not been adulterated with hidden harmful ingredients or chemicals. Your purchase is also supporting a system that respects human health, animals, wildlife and the environment. Buying products with our logo brings the added assurance of high standards.

Buying organic is also about investing your money in a dynamic movement. The Soil Association is committed to always improving organic standards, pressing for policy changes and lobbying on issues like GM.