Organic horticulture aims to produce healthy, good quality food in an ecologically responsible way, for which the grower gets a fair return. The system is designed to avoid the need for agrochemicals and to minimise damage to the environment and wildlife. Growers apply sustainable management practices to maintain optimum fertility and biological activity in the soil, and to enhance the farm environment by encouraging farm wildlife. This helps to support plenty of natural predators, preventing pests and diseases from reaching damaging levels. A healthy soil helps to produce crops that are more resistant to pests and diseases. Healthy crops ultimately mean healthy food. The technical competence of UK organic growers continues to improve, with reports of better quality fruit, vegetables and salad crops. Information resources - Access these documents below: Fertilisers for use in organic systems Slug control in organic systems Compost suppliers factsheet Plant stimulants and tonics Materials for pest and disease control Organic Horticulture - an introductory guide Organic mushroom production Making the most of green manures - event notes from 2002 Or try our full library or contact us to get a copy 0117 914 2400 » Compost - the microbial way 02/14/2007 » Flea beetle control in organic systems 08/16/2006 » Growing organic vegetables for a box scheme 01/09/2006 » Guidelines for the production of organic apples and pears in the United Kingdom 08/20/2007 » Horticultural information for Scottish producers 04/25/2007 » Leatherjacket control in organic systems 08/14/2006 » Organic Entry Level Scheme 2007 08/20/2007 » Potato blight control 04/17/2008 » Potato blight control 08/10/2006 » Technical Factsheet and Briefing Paper Order Form - June 2007 08/17/2007 » Technical guides from the food and farming department (Summer 2007) 08/17/2007 » Technical information on organic horticulture for Scottish producers 04/25/2007 Technical guides Organic Carrot Production Organic Lettuce Production Organic Leek Production Organic Onion Production Organic Potato Production Rotations for Organic Horticultural Field Crops Soil Management on Organic Farms See our full list of technical guides to order this and other technical guides from our online shop. Price data Latest horticulture price data Useful links Crop trials: www.cosi.org.uk Organic seed availability: www.organicxseeds.co.uk HDRA Organic Vegetable Systems Studies: www.organicveg.org.uk Useful contacts Support in your area from the Food and Farming Department