Feature Photo Credit: Cihan Yüce at Pexels
Last September I wrote what you have described as a super informative article about the benefits of everything organic, in light of National Organic Month. Since then, I have to admit that I started shopping organically more and more by buying fruit and veg boxes, that also reduce the need for excessive packaging. Eating seasonal food also means it has more flavour, and often holds more nutrients than food that has been transported from other countries before it is ripe and ready to eat, so it’s a win-win for me. Many people believe that organic food is hard to source, but in fact, it’s easier to find and much cheaper than common belief. But today, I want to give you a bit of a deeper insight into organic food and its countless benefits.
WHAT IS “ORGANIC”?
The term “organic” pertains to the cultivation and processing methods of agricultural products. These regulations differ among countries, but in the UK, organic crops are grown without synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fertilisers, or genetically modified organisms, known as GMO’s.
GMO’s are foods that have certain genes inserted into the organism of the food, or molecules are added or removed from the DNA of the food product to enhance it in some way. These genes are usually from a virus or bacteria and are designed to alter the way the food is grown. So, when you see those abnormally large, uniformly shaped strawberries at the supermarket, they are most likely to have been genetically modified to produce larger, sweeter fruit.
When it comes to organic food derived from animals, the livestock that gets raised organically for meat, eggs, and dairy products must also have living conditions that support their natural behaviours, like grazing on pasture, and being fed organic feed and forage. They are also not allowed antibiotics, growth hormones, or any animal by-products. Any animal-based or agricultural product that is grown without man-made pesticides, can then be transformed into what we consider to be organic food.
Related – September: National Organic Month
THE BENEFITS OF ORGANIC FOOD
The way your food is cultivated or reared can significantly influence your mental and emotional well-being, as well as the environment, of course. Organic food typically contains higher levels of essential nutrients, like antioxidants, compared to conventionally grown produce; and individuals with food, chemical, or preservative allergies may even experience reduced symptoms or relief from these allergies when consuming only organic foods. That’s not it though, there are plenty of other benefits that come with choosing organic food above regular off-the-shelf.
Related – Living Life on The Veg – Organic and Seasonal Food Makes Sense!
Pesticide levels
Organic produce has none to lower pesticide levels compared to conventional options. In traditional farming, synthetic fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides are heavily utilized, leaving residues on and in the food we consume.
To ensure you can trust the organic status of the products you buy and support environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices, look out for Organic Certification. In the UK, there are several organic food certifications that ensure products meet certain standards. Some of the prominent ones include:
organic certification
Soil Association Organic Standard: Soil Association is one of the most recognized organic certification bodies in the UK. Their certification ensures that organic food meets strict EU organic regulations and often goes beyond them.
Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G): This certification body also ensures that organic food meets EU organic regulations. They certify a wide range of products, including food, drink, and non-food items.
Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA): SOPA certifies organic produce in Scotland, ensuring they meet EU organic standards and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Irish Organic Association (IOA): While based in Ireland, IOA also certifies organic produce in the UK. Their certification guarantees that products meet EU organic standards.
Biodynamic Association Certification: This certification focuses not only on organic farming practices but also on holistic, ecological approaches. Biodynamic farming integrates sustainability and spiritual principles into agriculture.
Demeter: Similar to the Biodynamic Association Certification, Demeter certification signifies products produced through biodynamic farming methods, which emphasize a holistic approach to agriculture.
Freshness
Organic food is typically fresher due to the absence of preservatives that extend shelf life. Organic produce is occasionally sourced from smaller farms located closer to the point of sale (though not always, so be mindful of its origin).
Environmental Benefits
Organic farming is known for its environmental benefits. By adopting organic farming practices, pollution can be reduced, water conservation promoted, soil erosion mitigated, soil fertility improved, and energy consumption minimised. Furthermore, abstaining from synthetic pesticides benefits local wildlife, including birds and animals, as well as residents living near farms. On the flip side, organic farming typically demands more land to yield the same food output as conventional agriculture, potentially leading to higher carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
Antibiotic-free
Animals raised organically do not receive antibiotics, growth hormones, or animal byproducts in their feed. The practice of feeding livestock animal byproducts raises the risk of mad cow disease (BSE), while antibiotic use can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Organically raised animals typically have more room to move and access outdoor spaces, contributing to their overall well-being.
It’s nutritious
Organic meat and milk may contain higher levels of specific nutrients. According to a 2016 European study, organic meat and milk were found to have up to 50% more nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, compared to conventionally produced counterparts.
No GMOs
Organic food does not contain GMOs. GMOs, or genetically engineered (GE) foods, are plants that have undergone DNA alterations that do not happen naturally or through traditional crossbreeding. This is often done to make the plants resistant to pesticides or to produce insecticides.
ORGANIC FOOD VS LOCALLY-GROWN FOOD
While organic standards are clearly defined, locally-grown food lacks a specific definition still. It could be produced in your local community, state, region, or country and that’s still considered “local”. This is the food you should be able to find and shop for at your local farmer’s markets. It’s important to note that just because some food is grown locally, it doesn’t always mean it’s organic, as these farmers might still use antibiotics and pesticides for their livestock and crops. On the other hand, some small local farmers might use organic methods but may not be able to afford to become certified organic. So while you’re at your next local farmer’s market, it’s worth checking in with the guys at the counter and asking them a few questions about their produce.
Nonetheless, if you can find a local source of organic food, this might even surpass regular organic food’s benefits. From keeping money circulating in the local economy to reducing transportation and its bad effects on the environment, locally-grown organic food is the ideal choice.
ABOUT PESTICIDES AND GMOs
As I previously mentioned, a key advantage of consuming organic food is the reduced presence of pesticides and GMOs. Contrary to common belief, organic farms also utilise pesticides though. The distinction lies in the use of naturally derived pesticides instead of synthetic ones employed in conventional agriculture. Although natural pesticides are perceived as less harmful, certain types still pose health risks. Nonetheless, opting for organic food can potentially lower your exposure to harmful pesticides.
GMO's & the health concerns
When it comes down to GMOs, the debate on their impact on health and the environment remains contentious. GMOs are often modified to enhance resistance to herbicides or to produce insecticides. For instance, a significant portion of sweet corn in the U.S. is genetically altered to resist Roundup herbicide and generate Bt Toxin insecticide. GMOs are still prevalent in various crops like soybeans, alfalfa, squash, zucchini, papaya, and canola, as well as in numerous breakfast cereals and processed foods. If a product contains corn syrup or soy lecithin in its ingredients, it likely contains GMOs.
While the FDA and biotech firms claim that GMOs are safe for us humans, numerous food safety advocates beg to differ. They reference earlier studies that associate GM foods with harmful impacts.
pesticdes & the health concerns
Many of us carry a buildup of pesticide and GMO exposure in our bodies from years of contact. This accumulation, referred to medically as the chemical “body burden,” may result in health problems like headaches, birth defects, and increased pressure on compromised immune systems. Some research suggests that even low doses of pesticides may elevate the risk of specific cancers, including leukaemia, lymphoma, brain tumours, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.
According to an article in The Ecologist, children and fetuses are particularly susceptible to the effects of pesticide exposure due to their ongoing development of immune systems, bodies, and brains.
Early exposure could lead to developmental delays, behavioural issues, autism, immune system damage, and motor impairments.
“Medical data compiled by health officials in Kerala suggests as many as 4,270 people may have been poisoned by endosulfan, with over 500 deaths linked to the chemical. Campaigners and families blame endosulfan for causing neurological and congenital deformities in babies”.
Beatriz Lopez, the ecologist
Pregnant women face increased vulnerability due to the additional strain pesticides place on their already stressed organs. Furthermore, pesticides can be transmitted from mother to child both during pregnancy and through breastfeeding.
"SUPERWEEDS" & "SUPERBUGS"
The extensive use of pesticides has given rise to the emergence of “superweeds” and “superbugs” that can only be eradicated using highly toxic substances like 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, a major component of Agent Orange.
Contrary to what we’ve all been told growing up, washing and disinfecting our fruits and veggies doesn’t actually eliminate all the pesticides. Although it reduces the amount we ingest, we’re still ingesting them. The recommended method is to consume a diverse range of foods, meticulously wash and scrub all produce, and opt for organic options when feasible.
ORGANIC FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
All facts considered, I’m here to bring you the best organic food brand recommendations I could find so that whenever you’re ready to commit to your body and the environment, you know exactly where to start. That means, exactly where I started my organic foodie journey!
FieldGoods
If you’re like me and are always on the go and do not often have time to cook your meals, this is the best option for organic and sustainable ready meals in the UK. FieldGoods makes sustainable frozen-ready meals that taste as deliciously homemade as they are. Founded by two food-obsessed brothers, ElliotSam, at its core FieldGoods is all about making food that you just want to eat, inspiring joyful mealtimes. Made using only the best, sustainably sourced ingredients from English grass-fed beef and lamb to free-range chicken to ChalkStream trout, they carefully select their suppliers so that we don’t have to. Plus, all their packaging is compostable!
Mindful Chef
Mindful Chef is the UK’s number one rated recipe box company, set up in 2015 by three friends Giles, Myles and Rob, on a mission to make healthy eating easy.
Their recipe boxes’ aim is that their customers can have the tools to conveniently eat high-quality, nutritious meals that help them feel far healthier and happier. Mindful Chef has also recently joined the B Corp community, with a score from 80.5 to 107.3, joining the top 3% of global B Corp food companies doing better things for the world. Plus, they have a 25% discount code that applies to your first two boxes when you sign up to their email list. One not to miss!
Field & Flower
Field & Flower is an acclaimed service that delivers free-range and grass-fed meat, and aims to link customers with local farmers, providing top-quality meat, dairy and deli products directly to their doorsteps.
Established in 2010 by James Mansfield and James Flower, a fifth-generation Somerset beef farmer and a passionate agriculture advocate, Field & Flower is a grocery subscription service that connects consumers with livestock, local communities, and sustainable practices. Since its inception, they have been dedicated to supporting local farmers and premium artisan producers.
Field & Flower partners exclusively with independent British farmers who employ extensive free-range farming methods. Each product, whether meat or cheese, is fully traceable from the farm or sea to the customer’s table. They tailor each order and utilize whole carcasses to minimize food waste. Furthermore, any surplus meat is donated to FareShare South West, a Bristol-based charity that redistributes food to charities, schools, and community groups. When you subscribe to their grocery service, you get 20% off your first order!
Real Food Hub
Real Food Hub is an online marketplace designed for those who appreciate Real Good Food from farmers markets and value the ease of online shopping.
Offering a wide variety of Real Food items from numerous ethical producers, this platform eliminates the need for extensive searches to find quality products. By shopping here, you can skip the research process and simply enjoy the convenience of online shopping. What’s more, all suppliers are not only local within the UK but also organic certified.
Crowd Cow
Since 2015, this online shop has been supplying us all with locally sourced and organic meat and fish. For those of us who just can’t go fully vegetarian or vegan, this is the only option if you want to stay ethical and sustainable. Crowd Cow finds the best-in-class producers and connects you to them, so you know exactly where your food comes from. From salmon to beef, duck, bison and lamb meat, they have a lot of choices when it comes to tasty food. Plus, they always have some special deals going on, so don’t forget to check out their “weekly deals” section before checking out.
Abel & Cole
Abel & Cole is a company taking care of all your fruit and veggie needs. What happens is you subscribe, pick your preferred produce and then, according to their availability, they send you a weekly (or biweekly) produce box straight to your door. All the products included in their delivery boxes are fully organic, and often a little wonky, which means the big supermarkets would have just thrown them away. By subscribing to their delivery box, you’re not only buying organic produce but reducing food waste too. Plus, you can get 50% off your first veggie box with discount code VEGBOX4!
RIVERFORD ORGANIC FARMERS
I’ve saved the best to last, as Riverford Organic Farmers is my go-to for most of my weekly staples – they deliver fresh organic veggies straight from their farms to your doorstep in just 48 hours. They grow a variety of delicious produce, from familiar favorites to unique finds like kohlrabi and samphire, all packed with flavour.
Their commitment goes beyond tasty veggies – they’re also big on sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and supporting local farmers with fair pay. Plus, over the past year, Riverford’s efforts, buoyed by customer support, have yielded impressive results. They’ve eliminated 21 tonnes of plastic, contributed over 1 million portions of vegetables to charity, planted more than 1,500 native trees, and raised £164,744 for their charity partner, Ripple Effect.
Choosing Riverford means more than just getting veggies—it’s about supporting a company that cares about the planet and its people. You can also get £15 off if you sign up to Riverford using this unique code here.
Riverford isn’t just about delivering veggies; they’re here to help you embrace the joy of cooking with fresh, organic produce. Their farm chefs also share tips and recipes to inspire you to cook with seasonal, flavourful, and healthy organic produce.
Need some ideas? Here are a few ways Riverford can help:
- Check out their weekly newsletter for insights on ethical food, farming, and business, along with tasty recipe ideas.
- Use their A-Z of fruit & veg to identify any mystery veggies in your box and learn how to store, prep, and cook them.
- Browse hundreds of recipes on their recipe hub.
- Watch their Veg Hack videos on YouTube and cook along with them.
- Find tips and recipes tailored to your weekly veg box contents.
- For a unique experience, visit The Riverford Field Kitchen restaurant on their Devon farm and enjoy a veg-centric seasonal feast made with ingredients grown nearby.
Almost half (49%) of British fruit and veg farmers fear they’ll go out of business within the next year – and supermarkets are a leading cause. Riverford are on a mission to tell supermarkets: it’s time to get fair about farming. You can help by watching and sharing Guy’s video and tagging in the supermarkets. Find out more, and sign the petition via getfairaboutfarming.co.uk.
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