What is organic?

Organic farming recognises the direct connection between our health and the food we eat. Strict regulations, known as ‘standards’, define what organic farmers can and cannot do – and place a strong emphasis on the protection of wildlife and the environment. In organic farming:

• pesticides are severely restricted – instead organic farmer develop nutrient-rich soil to grow strong healthy crops and encourage wildlife to help control pests and disease
• artificial chemical fertilisers are prohibited – instead organic farmers develop a healthy, fertile soil by growing and rotating a mixture of crops using clover to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere
• animal cruelty is prohibited and a truly free-range life for farm animals is guaranteed
• the routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers is disallowed -  instead the farmer will use preventative methods, like moving animals to fresh pasture and keeping smaller herd size
• genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are banned under organic standards

How is organic farming different?




Why does it sometimes cost more?

As the costs of farming with oil-based fertilisers and chemicals increase, the price gap between organic and non-organic is closing. Where there is a price difference, you are paying for the special care organic farmers place on protecting the environment and improving animal welfare.