There are many excellent reasons to opt for organic products. When it comes to health, many experts believe that organic food can be beneficial. Artificial pesticides and fertilisers which are toxic to humans are prohibited in organic farming, whereas in conventional agriculture so-called ‘acceptable’ levels are tolerated. Much more research needs to be done into the long-term health implications of this, and also into the ‘cocktail effect’ - the possibility that the toxicity of such chemicals may be increased by consuming several of them all together. Worries about Genetically-Modified crops and an alarming number of food scares in recent years (e-coli, salmonella, BSE, foot and mouth) are also driving more and more people to go organic.
Organic farming boasts many environmental benefits. Traditional methods ensure that natural biological cycles are nurtured and protected, avoiding the disruption of delicately-balanced eco-systems, and so helping to preserve food and habitats for wildlife. Conservation is an integral part of all UK regulatory bodies’ standards.
The organic industry is highly regulated. Registration and labelling is controlled in this country by the United Kingdom Register of Organic Food Standards (UKROFS), and so any organic product sold in the UK must by law display a certification symbol or number. When you see an organic symbol, you can be sure that the product complies with minimum government standards. All organic products in As Nature Intended display this.
Of course, organic products can cost more than non-organic versions. Production methods are more labour intensive, and organic farming generally produces lower yields. In order for soil to be classified as suitable for organic agriculture, it has to undergo a ‘conversion’ process which typically lasts for 3 to 5 years, and on top of this it is required to have time set aside to restore its fertility. At As Nature Intended we pride ourselves on being your local organic supermarket, and so, despite the relatively high costs involved, we make every effort to make sure that our prices are as competitive as possible.
For more specific information on the benefits of different types of organic products check the Soil Association's 10 reasons to eat organic and see the sub-sections below:
