What is organic? & Why organic ?

•Organic systems recognise that our health is directly connected to the food we eat and, ultimately, the health of the soil.

•Organic farmers aim to produce good food from a balanced living soil. Strict regulations, known as standards, define what they can and can't do. They place strong emphasis on protecting the environment.

•Parasite problems in farm animals are controlled through regularly moving the animals to fresh pasture and other preventative methods, rather than routinely dosing the animals with drugs.

Here are some of organic farming's main features:

•Organic farming prohibits the use of artificial chemical fertilisers and severely restricts the use of pesticide.

•Instead, organic farmers rely on developing a healthy, fertile soil and growing a mixture of crops.

•Animals are reared without the routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers common in intensive livestock farming.

Why are more people are choosing organic?

• The environment - Organic farming is friendlier to the environment so there is a much greater diversity of birds, butterflies and plants on organic farms. Organic standards ban the use of GM technology.
• Animal - Organic farming requires animals to be kept in more natural, free-range conditions with a more natural diet.
• Taste - Many people tell us they buy organic food because they believe it tastes better.
• Food safety - Organic farmers, as far as possible, avoid using unnecessary chemical sprays. Food additives linked to asthma and heart disease are among those banned under organic standards.