Why people choose organic
Organic food is easy to find in the UK. Most supermarkets stock an organic range, and it is also sold through veg box schemes, farm shops and markets. Not everything sold in those places is organic, so check the label rather than assuming.
Some people want to cut their exposure to pesticide residues. Others care about animal welfare or want to support farming that protects soil health and farmland biodiversity. Buying a few organic items regularly is an option for many households, if their budget allows.
Organic claims on clothing and toiletries are not governed by the same rules as organic food. Look for independent certification, such as GOTS for textiles or COSMOS Organic for cosmetics, and check what it actually covers.
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Organic food is governed by legislation and certified by approved control bodies, such as the Soil Association and Organic Farmers & Growers. Prepacked organic food must display the relevant control body code. Codes for bodies approved in Great Britain begin "GB-ORG". Imported products and products certified in Northern Ireland, where EU organic rules apply, can carry different codes. A certification body's logo is separate from this code and is not always compulsory.
Organic standards include:
- no synthetic nitrogen fertilisers and strict controls on which pesticides may be used
- no deliberate use of GM crops or ingredients
- higher welfare standards for livestock, including access to outdoor space
- extra controls on antibiotics, beyond the limits on routine use that apply to all livestock farming
Organic does not mean pesticide free, and sick organic animals can and should receive necessary veterinary treatment. GOV.UK explains the requirements, including the different arrangements for Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
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The environmental case
Organic farming often benefits wildlife and soils, partly through crop rotation and natural fertility. Using fewer synthetic inputs can help protect rivers and groundwater, although organic farms can still lose nutrients and pollute water.
Results also depend on how they are measured. Organic yields are often lower, so more land may be needed to grow the same amount of food. A farm can perform well per hectare but less well per kilogram of food.
Seasonal organic produce can be a useful choice, but local does not automatically mean low carbon. Production methods, heated growing, storage and the type of transport all matter. What you buy, and how much you waste, can matter more than distance travelled.
Health, welfare and cost
Some studies find differences in nutrient levels, but there is no conclusive evidence that eating organic food leads to better overall health. All food sold in the UK must meet legal limits on pesticide residues, which government monitors. Organic food can contain residues too, and detectable residues are not automatically a health risk. Organic biscuits, sweets and snacks can still be high in sugar, salt or saturated fat.
Organic certification sets welfare requirements above the legal minimum in several areas, though it cannot guarantee every animal's welfare. Free range describes particular production conditions, while RSPCA Assured is a welfare assurance scheme. Neither means organic, so check what each covers.
Organic products usually cost more. To keep spending down:
- focus on the foods your household eats most often
- buy fruit and vegetables in season
- compare veg box prices with supermarket options, including delivery costs, and check whether you will use everything
- look at supermarket own brand organic ranges
- grow your own herbs or salad leaves if you have space
If organic is out of reach, conventional fruit and vegetables are still a good choice. Whatever you buy, check certification, compare prices and buy quantities you will use.
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