What is Organic September?
Throughout the month of September in the UK we celebrate Organic September. A time where the Organic September Campaign aims to raise awareness of organic produce and promote its consumption. But what is Organic September and how did it get started? Read on to discover more.
It all starts with the Soil Association – a UK charity - and this September more than ever, they aim to raise awareness of the incredible benefits organic farming brings for our climate, nature and our health.
What is the Soil Association?
The Soil Association has been around for over 75 years and works with policymakers, farmers and businesses to transform the way we eat, farm and care for the natural world. Their work recognises that to tackle issues facing our natural world we need to look at farming, forestry and food as connected and that working together, all three are an integral part of the solution. The Soil Association encourages supporters to work together, whether that's growing food or building our connection with nature, coming together with others to support a nature and wildlife-friendly future.
Working together with farmers, businesses, policymakers and consumers, their work makes an impact on the food you eat, the clothes you wear and the environment you live in. While they’ve campaigned on these issues on a global scale for decades, their work is ever-more pressing as we move into a period where the effects of climate change are beginning to show. By supporting farming innovation and developing world-leading standards, they’ve worked to protect the future health of our communities, animals, plants and environment. And that work continues today.
To read more about the Soil Association and their all-important work, visit their website where you can discover much more about their campaigns and what you can do to help.
What is Soil Association Certification?
Gaining Soil Association Certification isn’t easy but it’s one of the most instantly recognisable and trusted ways for a farmer or producer to show their commitment to organic principles. As the country's leading organic certifier of everything from food to farming, catering to beauty, wellbeing and fashion to forestry, it’s a way for consumers to have confidence in the products they buy.
Why Organic and why does it matter?
Organic matters because it's better for our planet. According to the RSPB, much of the UK’s wildlife depends on farmland, so how that land is farmed can make a huge difference. It’s reported that organic farming is leading the way on sustainability with farmers making better use of what’s on hand and minimising the use of imported resources. Farming the land in a more wildlife friendly way means:
- No artificial fertilisers
- Healthier soils that store more carbon
- Meat that’s more environmentally friendly
The Soil Association maintains that it’s possible to produce nutritious food for all through kinder farming, without using chemicals or killing wildlife. Not only is organic farming and the subsequent produce better for our bodies, the Soil Association reports that organic farming practices also mean higher welfare for farm animals. So it really is a win-win for nature and wildlife, us and the health of our planet.
Organic producers on Barbury Hill
We are all responsible for our environment and we can have an impact by changing our buying habits. A great way for consumers to reduce their carbon footprint is to buy from independent producers and have products delivered directly to their door. This means less packaging, no distribution hubs and food and drink with fewer miles travelled.
Two of our most popular organic producers are within our Artisan Cheese category. Both Godminster and Bath Soft Cheese produce incredibly morish small batch cheese whilst being certified organic and they’re working hard to run their businesses in the most sustainable way possible.
From investing in renewable energy to their biodegradable packaging and of course, organic practices, Bath Soft Cheese Co. is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. Likewise, Godminster has been farming organically for 20 years, feeding all the cows on forage and a plant-based diet to improve overall herd health and wellbeing while preserving the landscape and the environment for future generations.
Like Barbury Hill, these producers take every opportunity to minimise their impact on the environment, seeking out sustainable alternatives, consciously working to find green alternatives, and doing everything they can to deliver delicious produce that doesn’t cost the earth.
The Soil Association | About Us | Shop Artisan Cheese