Three out of every four households in the UK now buy organic food...

• 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
  Organic food doesn't contain food additives which can cause health problems such as heart disease, osteoporosis, migraines and hyperactivity. Amongst the additives banned by the Soil Association are hydrogenated fat, aspartame (artificial sweetener) and monosodium glutamate.
  
  
• Avoids pesticides
  Over 400 chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming and residues are often present in non-organic food. The UK government has recently found high levels of pesticide residues in baby food, spinach, dried fruit, bread, apples, celery, and chips.
  
  
• No GM
  Genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are not allowed under organic standards.
  
  
• Reliance on drugs removed
  There is growing concern about the high use of antibiotics on farm animals and the possible effects on human health. Soil Association standards prohibit the routine use of antibiotics.
  
  
• No hidden costs
  Compare this with the £120m that tax payers fork out to pay for chemicals to be removed from drinking water, mainly as a result of the pesticides used in farming.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Care for animals
  Animal welfare is taken very seriously under organic standards. The benefits of the organic approach are acknowledged by animal welfare organisations such as Compassion in World Farming as well as the UK government.
  
  
• Good for wildlife and the environment
  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.
  
  
• Top for taste
  Many people prefer organic food because they say it tastes better. A number of top chefs choose organic, and every year many are involved in the Soil Association's Organic Food Awards.
  

Almost any kind of food and drink you can think of can be organic. From fresh produce like fruit, vegetables and meat to processed foods such as bread or baby food.

But organic isn't just about food and drink - make it a way of life. Today you can enjoy organic clothing, cosmetics, health products, timber and wood products, compost and other gardening supplies. Organic certification also applies to restaurants, bars and holiday accommodation, as well as shops..