Organic September – discover why organic food is naturally different
17 May 2012
Europe’s biggest celebration of all things organic will be taking place throughout September, brought to you by the Soil Association – the UK’s leading membership charity campaigning for healthy, humane and sustainable food, farming and land use. Watch out for events up and down the country on organic farms, in shops, schools, and restaurants and on a high street near you. [1]
The Soil Association is asking the nation to discover why organic food is naturally different this September in support of the ‘Organic, naturally different’ campaign, which aims to increase consumer knowledge around the benefits of organic food and why it is worth paying a little bit extra. [2] Organic food is produced by farming systems which work with nature; are kind to animals; avoid using pesticides; and ban GM ingredients. [3]
To celebrate Organic September and inspire people to cook with seasonal organic ingredients the Soil Association has collected a mouth-watering array of recipes from renowned chefs and food writers including Allegra McEvedy, Darina Allen, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Raymond Blanc, Sophie Grigson, Valentine Warner, and Xanthe Clay.
The delicious recipes are based on fresh ingredients which are seasonal to September and include Caponata, Green Bean Sabzi, Sweetcorn and Pepper Relish, and Lemony Courgettes on Toast. For those with a sweet tooth, desserts include Apple Granita, Blackberry and Apple Muffins, Chocolate and Beetroot Brownies, and Raspberry Millefeuille.
Helen Browning, Chief Executive of the Soil Association, said: “Organic September is Europe’s biggest celebration of all things organic and is a great chance for people to discover what makes organic food naturally different and to enjoy all the special offers and events happening across the country. Why not give your body a boost before winter by cooking up some of the mouth-watering recipes we have collected based on fresh, seasonal organic fruit and vegetables. Choosing organic food has got to be one of the easiest, most delicious and enjoyable ways to make a real difference.”
Darina Allen, owner of the internationally renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School at Shanagarry, Co. Cork, Ireland, said: “I support Organic September because I’m convinced of the health giving properties of food grown on rich fertile soil without artificial pesticides and chemicals.”
Sophie Grigson, food writer and broadcaster, said: “The more people tune into the pleasures of organic food the more chance they get to discover the restorative impact it has on the world around us. The simple truth is that organic farming is good for everyone. It’s a win-win situation.”
Xanthe Clay, food writer for the Daily Telegraph and author of books including ‘Recipes to Know by Heart’, said: “I support Organic September because I believe in responsible farming methods and diversity - both of which organic farming delivers in spades.”
Ends
For more info, to request photos, interviews, or case studies, please contact:
Clio Turton, press office manager - 0117 914 2448 / 07795 562 556
Josh Stride, press & e-communications officer – 0117 314 5170 / 07717 802 183
press@soilassociation.org
Notes to editor:
[1] There are lots of fun and enjoyable ways to get involved in Organic September; here are a few ideas to get you started:
[2] Organic, naturally different
The campaign consists of a combination of advertising, PR and digital marketing and will run until October 2013. The aim is to increase consumer knowledge around the benefits of organic food and why it is worth paying a little bit extra. Adverts will be running across a number of London underground and mainline railway station sites. They feature different foods ‘talking’ to each other about enhancing treatments they have had or have chosen not to have, in the latter case, because they are organic, and explaining why they prefer to go ‘natural’. The Organic Trade Board has collectively pledged £300,000 per year to support the 3-year campaign, which the EU has agreed to match. The total budget is £1.8m. Find out more at www.organicukfood.com
[3] The Soil Association’s top five reasons to choose organic food and farming:
- Food you can trust - You can be safe in the knowledge that hydrogenated fats and controversial additives like aspartame, tartrazine and MSG are banned under organic standards.
- Better for the environment - Organic farming reduces environmental pollution and greenhouse gases released from food production by restricting the use of artificial chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
- High standards of animal welfare - Organic standards insist that animals are given plenty of space and fresh air to thrive and grow - guaranteeing a truly free-range life.
- Helps protect wildlife - Organic farms are havens for wildlife and provide homes for bees, birds and butterflies. In fact, plant, insect and bird life is up to 50% greater on organic farms.
- Ensures a GM-free diet - GM crops and ingredients are banned under organic standards. Choosing organic is an effective way to avoid GM in your diet.
[4] Follow us on Twitter and ‘like’ us on Facebook:
@soilassociation / www.facebook.com/soilassociation
@organicukfood / www.facebook.com/organicuk
About the Soil Association
The Soil Association was founded in 1946 by farmers, scientists, doctors and nutritionists to promote the connection between the health of the soil, food, people and the environment. Today the Soil Association is the UK's leading membership charity campaigning for healthy, humane and sustainable food, farming and land use. To find out more please visit our website www.soilassociation.org