Soil Association Organic Fortnight 2009 - Organic values on a budget

18 May 2009

This year’s Soil Association Organic Fortnight (5-20 September 2009) will focus on why organic products offer great value for both your wallet and for the planet. [1]

As thrifty shoppers look to make every pound go further, the benefits of going organic on a budget stretch far beyond great-tasting, additive-free food and drink.

Organic is first choice for consumers who want products which don't just taste, look or feel good, but which are environmentally-friendly, ethical, healthy and have the highest animal welfare standards in the UK too. To understand why organic offers genuine good value check out our five good reasons to choose organic [2] and to make your shopping basket work harder check out our ten top ways to go organic on a budget. [3]

Pass it on: for those passionate about the issues they can raise awareness of the benefits by hosting an ‘Organic credit crunch dinner’ for friends. [4]

Soil Association Organic Fortnight kicks off with the Organic Food Awards [5] – a celebration of the very best in organic food and drink. If this whets your appetite, the winners will be exhibiting at the Organic Food Festival 2009 - 12 & 13 September, at Bristol Harbourside. [6]

Key messages:

• Get more for your money - go organic. Organic products tick all the boxes for savvy consumers, they don't just taste, look or feel good, they are environmentally-friendly, ethical, healthy and have the highest animal welfare standards in the UK too. [7]
• Soil Association Organic Fortnight is a celebration of all things organic and runs from 5-20 September.
• The Organic Food Festival is on 12 & 13 September in Bristol.
• The Soil Association is a membership charity and relies on support from our members - join us and help in our fight for a healthier planet: http://www.soilassociation.org/Takeaction/Supportus/tabid/127/Default.aspx 

Notes to editors:

[1] Soil Association Organic Fortnight 2009 is a nationwide celebration of all things organic. Look out for events and activities in farm shops, markets, restaurants, health stores, cafes, pubs, schools and supermarkets across the whole of the UK. For more details see our website: 
http://www.soilassociation.org/Takeaction/Organicfortnight/tabid/244/Default.aspx

[2] Five good reasons to choose organic

[3] Ten tips for going organic on a budget

[4] Host your own 'Organic credit crunch dinner' during the fortnight to raise awareness of the benefits of organic and help raise money for the Soil Association. The ‘Top five reasons’ briefing sheets (links above) highlight key facts about organic and the Q&A section on the fortnight webpage offers further information to pass on to your friends. If you fancy organising a bigger event, check out our Events Guide for ideas and advice on planning. For more details see: http://www.dinner4good.com/soilassociation and http://www.soilassociation.org/Takeaction/Organicfortnight/tabid/244/Default.aspx

[5] Soil Association Organic Food Awards 2009
In association with Highland Spring
http://www.soilassociation.org/Businesses/Marketingandopportunities/Awards/Organicfoodawards/tabid/307/Default.aspx

[6] The Organic Food Festival 2009, 12&13 September, Harbourside, Bristol
For more info contact Sarah Weiner, festival manager: sarah@theorganicfoodfestival.co.uk / 07719 746 796
http://www.theorganicfoodfestival.co.uk/

[7] Angles/Stories
We have a wide array of stories and case studies available on request including: organic on a budget, recession busting brands, organic success stories, cheap and healthy recipe ideas, reskilling at the Organic Farm School, low energy farming, Organic Food Award winners, women in organic, organic heroes, why organic will be cheaper in the longterm, real local food with Community Supported Agriculture, inspiring Food for Life schools who are transforming school food culture and ten good reasons to choose organic…

Spokespeople and experts available for comment including:
Patrick Holden, director of the Soil Association
Donna Air, keen supporter of organics 
Jo Wood, keen supporter of organics
Linda Moss, author of Organic Places to Stay
Guy Watson, founder of Riverford Organic Vegetables, a UK-wide boxscheme
Keith Abel, founder of Abel & Cole, a UK-wide boxscheme
Des Walker, director of Boxfresh Organics, a boxscheme that delivers in the West of England and East of Wales
Craig Sams and Jo Fairley, co -founders of Green & Black’s and owners of award-winning Judges Bakery. Craig is the Soil Association Vice-Chair.
Organic Trade Board including: OTB chair Huw Bowles, director at OMSCo, expert on organic milk; Abi Weeds, director of Essential Care, expert on organic beauty; William Lana of Greenfibres, expert on organic textiles, Chantelle Ludski of Fresh!, and Patrick O'Flaherty of RDA organic juices.
Female organic farmers including: Helen Browning (Soil Association), Bridie Whittle (The Good Egg Company) and Jane Kalloway (Langley Chase Farm)
Ethical fashion experts including: Neil Chadwick, MD of Seasalt Cornwall (along with his brothers David and Leigh); William Lana of Greenfibres; and Andy Lunt director of T Shirt and Sons
Health and beauty experts including: Amanda Barlow, director of Spiezia; Jo Fairley, author of ‘The Green Beauty Bible’; Abi Weeds, director of Essential Care; and Karen Sinclair Drake, of Sophyto