Organic

Organic systems recognise that our health is directly connected to the food we eat and, so ultimately, to 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. These standards place strong emphasis on protecting the environment.

The word organic is defined by law. Any food labelled organic must meet a strict set of standards.

Organic farming's main features include:

• Severely restricting the use of artificial chemical fertilisers and pesticides
• Relying instead on developing a healthy, fertile soil and growing a mixture of crops

Put simply, organic food contains more of the good stuff we need, and less of the bad stuff that we don't need.

We all know the importance of getting our five-a-day, but eating five organic fruit and vegetables a day is even better.

No other food has higher amounts of beneficial minerals, essential amino acids and vitamins than organic food.

A non-organic apple can be sprayed up to 16 times with 36 different chemicals, many of which cannot simply be washed off. The latest Government tests, carried out in 2005, found pesticides in 80% of non-organic apple samples.

Organic milk, according to research carried out by scientists in Britain and across Europe, has nearly 70% more essential fatty acid omega-3 than its non-organic equivalent. Essential fatty acids are essential for maintaining normal bodily functions.

Why more people are choosing organic?

Top for taste

Many people buy organic food because they believe it tastes better than non-organic. This could be because organic fruit and vegetables tend to grow more slowly and have a lower water content, which may contribute to the fuller flavour some people experience.

It's healthy

On average, organic food contains higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants.

No nasty additives

Only 32 of the 290 food additives approved for use across the EU are permitted in organic food.

Avoids pesticides

The best way of reducing your exposure to potentially harmful pesticides is to eat organically grown food, where their use is avoided.

GM-free

Genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are not allowed under organic standards.

High standards

Organic food comes from trusted sources. All organic farms and food companies are inspected at least once a year. The standards for organic food are laid down in European law.

Good for wildlife and the environment

Overall organic farming supports more farmland wildlife than non-organic farming. The UK government has said that it is better for wildlife, causes lower pollution from sprays, produces less carbon dioxide - the main global warming gas - and less dangerous wastes.