What is Organic?

Organic is a word that is defined by law. Those producing organic food and products do so to a strict standard. This generally involves a set of production standards for growing, storage, processing, packaging and shipping that include:

• avoidance of most synthetic chemical inputs (e.g. fertilizer, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives, etc), genetically modified organisms, irradiation and the use of sewage sludge;
• use of farmland that has been free from chemicals for a number of years (often, three or more);

• keeping detailed written production and sales records (audit trail);

• maintaining strict physical separation of organic products from non-certified products;

• undergoing periodic on-site inspections.

Certification in the UK is overseen by The Soil Association and Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA). Both these organisations are charities and not supported by the Government. They are dedicated researching and promoting an organic way of life. Today, the Soil Association’s symbol can be found on over 70% of Britain's organic produce.

Why Organic?

Perhaps the question should really be “why NOT?”. Organic farming helps to protect the environment by not polluting it with poisonous chemicals, and this in turn protects our health. But of course a huge bonus with eating organic food is that it TASTES better! Nor does organic food contain hidden fats, salt and sugar that can go in during the processing of processed foods.

A wide range of products are made organically, from food and drink, to clothing, household products and even health and beauty merchandise. All these items can be purchased online within this site, and many of them even locally (just visit our Shop by Region section).

 

Choose Category About Organics Organic Product Reviews Organic Food and Drink- Box Schemes Organic Wine Organic Health and Beauty- Alternative Health- Vitamins and Supplements Organic Gardening Organic Home Organic Clothing Organic Pets Organic Holidays Shop by Region- East Anglia- Midlands- North- Scotland- South- Wales Special Offers Site Help and Terms