Why Choose Organic?

If you’re reading this, then there’s a good chance you already choose organic. You probably know it means ‘no nasties’ – with toxic herbicides, chemical pesticides, and artificial fertilisers not permitted for use by organic farmers. But do you know what it stands for as well as what it stands against?

Below, we’ve broken down some of the reasons why we believe an organic farming system is beneficial. Though each reason is important independently, organic is more than the sum of its parts. It’s not just about producing food – it’s about coexisting with nature in a way that benefits us all. Yeo Valley Organic’s Farms Development Manager, William Mayor, and Sustainability Manager, Daisy Blackhurst, explain why.

Organic Farming Systems Deliver a Regenerative Outcome

“We're capturing ecosystem processes to produce food rather than trying to dominate ecosystems,” says Yeo Valley Organic’s Farms Development Manager, William Mayor.

“The organic farming system was founded by Eve Balfour, and her first book focused on crop rotation to increase organic matter in soils. Soil health is the foundation of organic agriculture, and a good organic system can have a regenerative effect on biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and improving air and water quality.”

This approach demonstrates the benefits of organic practices for the environment and our future.

Organic Is a Legal Standard

“Organic standards are developed through extensive consultation with experts and enshrined in European and UK law,” explains Daisy Blackhurst, Yeo Valley Organic’s Sustainability Manager.

“Not many people realise that organic is a legal standard. Companies are breaking the law if they sell something as organic without a valid certificate.”

These standards highlight why choosing organic ensures you’re supporting products held to the highest regulatory criteria.

Organic Certification Applies Beyond Farming

“The great thing is that organic certification legally applies at every stage of a product supply chain,” says Daisy. “Each company across the supply chain is inspected at least once a year by an organic certification body to ensure they meet the standards.” This system is a key part of the advantages of organic agriculture, ensuring integrity from farm to table.

Organic Is Likely Better for Your Health

“Organic is one of the best ways to avoid toxic chemicals in your food,” insists Daisy.

“While more research is needed, studies show that organic foods often contain higher levels of antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage. Pasture-fed animals, like those raised on organic farms, also produce meat higher in omega-3 fatty acids, important for reducing inflammation.”

It’s clear to see that this nutritional boost demonstrates the benefits of organic food for your health and well-being.

What Are The General Benefits of Organic?

• Organic food offers a range of advantages, from better nutritional value to fewer harmful chemicals in your diet.

• Because organic farming avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, it supports cleaner, healthier food production. 

• Organic food is grown using sustainable methods that protect the environment, enhance soil health, and promote biodiversity, making it a great choice for both your health and the planet.

Organic Benefits Your Gut Health

“Soil is quite literally the foundation of nutrition,” Daisy adds. “More than two billion people in the world suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. Nutrient-poor soils can’t produce healthy food with all the nutrients a person needs.”

Eating food grown in healthy soils, as prioritised by organic agriculture, can nourish your gut microbiome. Including fermented foods like cheese, kefir, and kimchi provides an extra probiotic boost, showcasing another reason why organic is worth considering.

What are other advantages of eating organic food?

Choosing organic food can improve your health in several ways. 

• Organic produce often contains higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which help protect your body from damage. You’re also reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals commonly found in conventional farming, for example, nasty pesticides. There’s also no denying that organic food tends to taste richer and more natural, thanks to the way it’s grown without artificial additives. 

• By supporting organic farming, you're also backing practices that prioritise animal welfare and promote environmental sustainability!

Organic Food Is Processed Differently

“When it comes to processed foods, there are additional precautions for organic products,” Daisy explains. “Artificial sweeteners, flavourings, and anything derived from GM sources are forbidden by organic regulations.”

These careful processing methods underline the benefits of organic food, ensuring cleaner and more natural products.

Organic Standards Prioritise Animal Welfare

Organic standards require animals to be given plenty of space, outdoor access, and comfortable bedding. They are raised in conditions that suit their natural behaviour, ensuring higher welfare standards.

This commitment to better living conditions for animals is a fundamental part of why choosing organic supports ethical farming.

Organic Farming Can Feed the World

“It’s a common misconception that organic isn’t efficient,” says Will. “I believe it’s about how you measure food production.”

“A typical dairy calculates milk per cow but often doesn’t account for the feed required. On my family farm, we calculate total food output per hectare. We produce milk, high-quality beef, lamb, oats, peas, and barley by stacking enterprises in an organic system.”

This holistic approach demonstrates the advantages of organic agriculture, showing how it can sustainably provide for growing populations.

The Full Value of Organic

As mentioned earlier, the real value of organic farming is its entirety as a system.

“We often emphasise that organic means no glyphosates or harmful pesticides, and more birds and bees on farms,” says Will. “But this doesn’t capture the full value of organic farming systems.

“With organic, we farm as part of an ecosystem. This improves air quality, water quality, and soil organic matter. We farm with nature, not against it – producing real food to nourish people and the planet.”

This interconnected approach highlights why organic is so much more than just a label.

How does organic food benefit the environment?

As mentioned, organic food benefits the environment in several important ways. 

• By using natural farming methods, organic practices help improve soil quality, reduce water pollution, and promote healthier ecosystems. 

• Organic farms also support biodiversity by creating habitats for wildlife, such as bees and birds, which in turn reduces the need for harmful chemical pesticides. 

In short, when food is produced organically it helps preserve the environment for future generations!

So, Why Choose Organic?

In conclusion, the benefits of organic food and farming extend far beyond the absence of harmful chemicals. Choosing organic supports sustainable practices, protects the environment, and promotes better health. It’s a decision that benefits us all, from the soil beneath our feet to the food on our plates.