Organic September

The Soil Association pledges to help boost organic sales and support organic farmers

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This Organic September, the Soil Association is t. The celebration of all things organic will affect organic producers, processors, businesses and retailers across the UK.

This month, the Soil Association is launching the biggest ever Organic September: it’s targeting an increase of 6% in organic sales through the celebration of all things organic.

Organic sales soar – healthy growth defies trends in wider food market

Benefits of organic

Swapping to organic food has huge benefits for people, animal welfare and the environment. This month, people will be encouraged to ‘Organic’ their September and help our planet by making a small change to their everyday shopping.

Last year, scientific evidence found nutritional differences in organic vegetables, fruit and cereal crops. Organic farms are havens for wildlife, with more species of birds, bees, butterflies and wildflowers than non-organic farms.

Bacon, pork and eggs

By switching to organic bacon or pork, more pigs will keep their curly tails and get to stay with their mother for much longer.

By switching to organic eggs, more hens would have access to grassland and not be at risk of painful beak trimming. Together, each of these small changes can make a big difference for generations to come.

The Organic 30

The Soil Association will help people plan their small changes with an ‘Organic 30’ list and calendar. Introducing tons of tips – from swapping to organic milk to brewing an organic cup of tea for colleagues – the Organic 30 list will help people plan their small changes. There will also be prizes up for grabs throughout the month.

‘With wildlife in decline over the last half century, Organic September is a fantastic opportunity to let people know why organic farming is more important than ever. With each small change we make – like choosing organic milk or butter, or switching to organic eggs, we are helping secure a better future for animal welfare, our bees and other pollinators, and of course, our neglected soils.’

Helen Browning, chief executive of the Soil Association

Good food, Good Energy

For the third year running, the Soil Association is partnering with 100% renewable energy company Good Energy, and will help to promote renewable energy to customers, farmers and landowners all across the UK.

‘We source all the renewable electricity our customers need from our own wind and solar sites, as well as from a growing network of more than 800 independent generators across the country.

‘We know things are better when they’re local and natural. That’s why Organic September is a fantastic initiative. It offers a simple way for all of us to make small changes that will contribute towards a better world for everyone.’

Juliet Davenport OBE, CEO and founder of Good Energy

5 tips for Organic September

Switch to organic milk Organic milk is naturally different – no system of farming produces milk with higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids or a healthier balance of omega-6.
Eat less, but better, organic meat Organic animals enjoy the very highest welfare standards of any farmed animals. They are fed a GM free diet and graze on organic pasture where pesticides are severely restricted.
Switch to organic beauty There are currently no legal standards for organic beauty so some products may be labelled ‘organic’ even if it doesn’t always stand true. Look for the Soil Association symbol to make sure that what you put on your body is as important as what goes in it.
Sign up for an organic veg box Organic farms support 50% more wildlife than non-organic farms, so you’re not just treating yourself to the best of British produce, you’re also helping to protect bees, birds and butterflies.
Brew an organic tea or coffee Organic tea and coffee is grown without the use of artificial pesticides and fertilisers. This not only reduces the farmers’ exposure in the developing world, it also means healthier soils and more habitats for birds and wildlife.

Click here to find out more about Organic September and how you can get involved.