Organic food is now widely available in the UK in all the major supermarkets as well as from local shops and via delivery services. As consumers have begun to realise the environmental and health benefits of organic food, the demand has increased and thus the range of products on offer. You can now buy organic fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, baby food, wine, beer and much more.
The production of organic food is considered to be much better for the environment than modern intensive farming, with the land’s fertility achieved through natural means and the minimal use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides resulting in less potentially harmful substances entering the soil and waterways. With regard to the rearing of organic livestock, the use of drugs and antibiotics is severely restricted. Take a look at our organic farming page for some more information.
From a health point of view organic food certainly makes sense. Organic food has higher levels of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients than intensively farmed produce and genetic modifications are banned.
Organic food is usually, unfortunately, more expensive than intensively-farmed alternatives, but this has become less so as the demand has increased and it is no longer so prohibitive. Many of the Organic Food Delivery services offer excellent value for money so are worth looking into in your area. As some of these offer a set selection of seasonal produce, you also get to try things you might not otherwise buy.
Check out our Organic & Fairtrade Food Product Reviews for a selection of organic food products we have tried and tested.
Source: www.soilassociation.org 2012
Visit the following pages for more information on organic products:
