What is organic farming?
Organic farming is an agricultural system that encompasses:
- Management practices which sustain soil health and fertility.
- The use of natural methods of pest, disease and weed control.
- High standards of animal welfare.
- Low levels of environmental pollution.
- Enhancement of the landscape, wildlife and wildlife habitat.
- The prohibition of all genetically engineered food and products.
Reasons to buy Organic products:
Human health - their is some scientific evidence that organic food contains higher levels of Vitamins and minerals as well as lower levels of pesticide residues.
Safeguarding water supplies - intensive farming has been implicated with increased levels of nitrates and pesticides in water supplies.
Benefits wildlife -Surveys by the ministry of agriculture and the British Trust for Ornithology have shown the beneficial effects of organic farming on wildlife. Insecticides obviously have a detrimental effect on biodiversity and organic farming creates a patchwork of habitats on the farm as monocultures are unlikely in an organic regime.
Safeguarding renewable resources - organic farming is less dependant upon fossil fuels which are used to produce fertilizers and other agrochemicals.
Animal Welfare - Animals have access to fields and are allowed to express their natural behaviour patterns. Animals always have comfortable bedding, usually straw, and plenty of space when they are housed. Organic standards minimise the negative effects of transporting animals and reduce use of antibiotics.
What you can do:
- Buy organic produce whenever possible.
- Buy organic produce that is in season and grown locally whenever possible - join a vegetable box scheme or buy from farmers markets.
- Grow your own in a garden or consider taking on an allotment. Ask your local district council for information about allotments.
- Encourage your food retailer to stock more organic products.
Visit an organic farm and find out at first hand about organic production. The closest farm participating in this scheme is Pimhill Farm. Contact: Ginny Mayall, Pimhill Farm, Harmer Hill, Shrewsbury SY4 3DY. T: Farm office 01939 290342, Farm shop and cafe: 01939 290075, W: www.pimhillorganic.co.uk
Other related pages on Fairtrade and Local Food
Return to Purchasing home page
Return to Eco home page
Any comments / queries / suggestions to Stefania Isbell
or tel 01244 603191 or fax 01244 603033
|