Organic

Not long ago buying organic food was seen as slightly less eccentric than talking to plants - today supermarket shelves groan with organic produce. Last year sales in organic food went up by a third in the UK – we now spend £2 billion a year on organic produce.

Conventional farming uses synthetic pesticides and fertilisers that harm local wildlife and run off into rivers, streams and the water table below. Organic farming doesn't use these synthetic products and also has further requirements as to the treatment of animals and the non-routine use of antibiotics. A recent European study shows significant nutritional benefits from eating organic food.

Organic products in Europe have to be labelled by an independent body, the most well-known of which is the Soil Association having the strictest standards. Organic is more expensive to produce than conventional produce but is becoming cheaper as more people buy it.