• NUTRIENTS - On average, organic fruit and vegetables contain higher levels of vitamin C and some essentials minerals compared to non-organic foods
  • RESTRICTED ADDITIVES - Amongst the additives banned by the Soil Association are hydrogenated fat, aspartame (artificial sweetener) and mono sodium glutamate
  • REDUCED PESTICIDES - Over 400 chemical pesticides can be used in non-organic farming and residues are often present in non-organic food. Chemical weed killers are banned. The Soil Association allows just 4 substances to be used for pest control  and then only in special circumstances
  • CARE FOR ANIMALS - The benefits of the organic approach are recognised by animal welfare organisations, such as Compassion in World Farming and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
  • GOOD FOR WILDLIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT - Organic farming is better for wildlife and causes lower pollution from sprays. It produces less carbon dioxide (the main warming gas) and fewer dangerous waste products