Consumer interest in organic food has shot up in recent years and this is reflected not just in the supermarket aisles. The government would like to see hospitals and other public institutions using more organic food, and a recent opinion poll showed that 70 % of the public would like to see more organic or locally produced food in schools.

As people become more and more concerned about what they are and their families are eating, they are increasingly turning to organic food as a healthy alternative. When you consider that the average non-organic apple has 20-30 artificial chemicals on its skin, it is perhaps not surprising! 

It is also believed that fresh organic fruit and veg can contain up to 50% more vitamins and minerals than non-organic produce. Deficiencies in these areas can result in health problems such as muscle cramps and depression. According to the Soil Association, who promote organic food in the UK, a largely organic diet 'appears to have the potential to lower the incidence of common conditions such as cancer, coronary heart disease, allergies and hyperactivity in children.'

The term organic is defined by law and organic food production and processing is governed by a strict set of rules. The standards applied to organic food producers are rigorous: All organic farms and food processors are inspected at least once a year, to make sure that they meet the required standards. Three hundred and fifty chemicals are used in conventional farming; only four are allowed to be used on organic farms. It takes five years for a farm to switch from conventional use to organic; this is how long it takes for all the chemicals to disappear from the soil.

However, although it is healthier, organic food also costs more and fruit and veg may be less attractive and 'perfect'. This is because organic farms are more expensive to run, more crops are lost to disease and insects, and animals cannot be given drugs that fatten them up quickly. Another reason for organic food being more expensive is that a lot of it still comes from abroad, but as more and more farms in the UK go organic the cost should come down.

Organic farms are also better for the environment as they support a greater diversity of wild animals and flowers. A recent study by the British Trust for Ornithology found 32% more birds and 109% more wild plants on organic farms compared to conventional farms. You can even get organic food without having to leave your house; many organic farms deliver boxes of fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables directly to your door. You could also ask your milkman about swapping to organic milk, which most dairies now offer.

The organic market is steadily branching out, you can even eat out the organic way now: there are organic restaurants springing up all over the country and even an organic pizza chain called Pizza Organic, whose menus were originally devised by Jamie Oliver. You can even go on an organic holiday! A company called 'Organic Places to Stay' offers breaks on organic farms and smallholdings.

There was a time when organic food was considered to be for cranks. This era is long gone and today organic food is a massive growth sector. We can expect to see the word 'organic' appear on an increasing number of food labels for years to come.

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