Organic systems recognise that our health is directly connected to the food we eat and, ultimately, the health of the soil.

Organic farmers aim to produce good food from a balanced living soil. Strict regulations, known as standards, define what they can and can't do. They place strong emphasis on protecting the environment.

Organic farmers use crop rotations to make the soil more fertile. For example, a farmer might graze sheep on a field one year, making the soil more fertile, then plant wheat the next and so on.

They can't grow genetically modified crops and can only use - as a last resort - seven of the hundreds of pesticides available to farmers (the Soil Association, however, only allow four of these).

Parasite problems in farm animals are controlled through regularly moving the animals to fresh pasture and other preventative methods, rather than routinely dosing the animals with drugs.

Here are some of organic farming's main features:
Organic farming severely restricts the use of artificial chemical fertilisers and pesticides
Instead, organic farmers rely on developing a healthy, fertile soil and growing a mixture of crops
Animals are reared without the routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers common in intensive livestock farming
The word organic is defined by law. Any food labelled organic must meet a strict set of standards. Look for the Soil Association symbol for your guarantee of the highest organic standards.

Why are more people are choosing organic?

In 2006, organic food and drink sales nudged the £2 billion mark for the first time, and showed a 22% growth overall. Here's why more people are choosing to buy organic:

Taste - Many people tell us they buy organic food because they believe it tastes better.

Food safety - Organic farmers, as far as possible, avoid using unnecessary chemical sprays. Food additives linked to asthma and heart disease are among those banned under organic standards.

The environment - Organic farming is friendlier to the environment so there is a much greater diversity of birds, butterflies and plants on organic farms. Organic standards ban the use of GM technology.

Animal welfare - Organic farming requires animals to be kept in more natural, free-range conditions with a more natural diet.