Organic Food: Be Sophisticated Without The Cost

A few years ago, it was thought that organic food was consumed by only the wealthy and by hippies. But now, most of us realise the benefits of eating organically for our health and the environment. The latest Organic Market report shows that sales for organic produce are booming – there’s been a 6% growth of organic food and drink in the UK during the past year.

So What Does ‘Organic’ Mean?

The Department for Agriculture and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) states that:

‘Organic food is the product of a farming system which avoids the use of man-made fertilisers, pesticides; growth regulators and livestock feed additives. Irradiation and the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or products produced from or by GMOs are generally prohibited by organic legislation.’

When it’s put like that, it makes you wonder why all food in general is not organic.

What’s Organic Farming?

When we talk about ‘organic farming’, generally we mean few or no artificial fertilisers on the land, the prohibited use of antibiotics in rearing animals for their meat and better animal welfare as organic farms keep their animals in more natural and free conditions.

Evidence shows that there are more vitamins, minerals and omega-3s in most organic produce. Some organic fruit and veg have higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants, and all have lower levels of pesticide residues and metals.

How Do We Know It’s Organic?

A minimum of 95% of its ingredients must be derived from organically-produced plants or animals if a food item is to be labelled as organic. Approval from an organic certification body is required and they perform regular inspections to make sure the strict regulations associated with the production methods and labelling are adhered to.

You can look for labels like the Soil Association on food packaging and most foods that are organic will clearly state so on the label.

Why Is Organic Food More Expensive?

Most organic produce tends to be more expensive mainly due to:

• Higher labour costs because of organic farming methods
• Typically lower yields
• Organic feed for the animals tends to be more expensive

However, organic produce is arguably far superior in quality and is tastier than products grown with chemicals. I am sure you wouldn’t mind paying that bit extra for better quality, nourishing food.

Keeping The Cost Down

It is possible to buy organic produce without it costing the earth.

I’ll tell you how…

• Buy directly from a farmer or producer, either via a farmers’ markets or a farmshop. Buying local, organic food will often cost less than the non-organic equivalent.
• You can get fab, and sometimes discounted, deals from food delivery companies such as HelloFresh.
• If you can’t buy organic food directly from the producer, then the supermarket it may have to be. But do shop around. It’s worth noting that some organic products cost less than premium range non-organic products.
• If your budget doesn’t allow a full organic diet, then prioritise the organic produce you can buy. Products such as organic bread, butter, flour, milk and seasonal produce are relatively cheap compared to other organic produce like meat.
• If you’re buying just a few organic products, you may choose organic alternatives to the foods that are the most harmful when conventionally produced. According to campaigning charity Pesticide Action Network the fruit and veg that have highest levels of pesticide residue are:

• Oranges
• Lemons and limes
• Pears
• Grapes
• Apples
• Pre-packed salads
• Bananas
• Spring greens
• Kale
• Herbs
• Spinach
• Cucumber

Plus, the following foods have high levels of pesticides:

• Wheat
• Rice
• Flour
• Bread

Grow Your Own

For the ultimate “Good Life”, grow your own. It’s cheap and you know what you’re eating.  Doesn’t matter if you live in a flat or have a country manor, there are options available for you to produce your very own organic food.

Take a look at these really useful tips for growing your own organic garden.

Alternatively, why not think about getting an allotment? Don’t you know that it’s the place to be and that all the hipsters are doing it nowadays? They’re not in the swanky wine bars at the weekend now. No, they’re in their local allotment tending to their lovingly-grown organic array of delights.

You might have heard it’s difficult to actually get an allotment. On the whole, yes, it is. Quite often, you’ll have to apply for a plot. But once you have one, you’ll be the envy of all who know you.

The cost of an allotment is approximately £110 annually for a 250 square metre plot and there’s sometimes a 50% discount if you are over 60.

Are You Convinced Yet?

Choosing organic produce over conventionally-produced counterparts is getting more and more habitual for most people. People want to think ethically about where their food has come from and if that means that they’re ingesting negligible chemicals, the environment is not being damaged and the livestock they eat have had better lives, then it’s a small price they’re willing to pay.

Useful Websites

 Soil Association

Apply For An Allotment

Benefits Of Organic Food