Organic food suppliers

Organic food is now widely available in most parts of the country. Supermarkets are stocking a growing range of organic produce to meet customer demands and there are also more organic farms, restaurants and independent organic food shops opening up across the country.

The Soil Association is the UK's leading campaigning and certification organisation for organic food and farming. One of the best ways to locate organic suppliers in your area is to consult their Organic Directory which is also available to buy as a book.

Supermarkets

While supermarkets provide a convenient and relatively cheap place to shop for organic food it is important to be aware that the food they sell may not always have been produced to the same high organic standards as those required by the Soil Association. A key reason for this is that produce sold in supermarkets is often imported from other countries where organic standards may be less stringent. If you are buying from a supermarket try to buy British produce and look out for the Soil Association logo on the items you buy.

Independent shops selling organic food

Shops such as health food stores, butchers, greengrocers and delicatessens sometimes sell organic food. Frequently the fresh produce they sell is sourced from local suppliers. The advantage of shopping in these outlets is that you can build a relationship with the shopkeeper allowing you to question the origins of the food that you buy.

Farmers markets

There are now more than 300 markets across the country where farmers sell produce direct to the customer. Visiting farmers markets provides a way of obtaining fresh organic food that is locally grown, in season and tastes fantastic! For further details on how to find a local farmers market see the contact list below. Some farms also have shops on site.

Organic delivery schemes

There are now a large number of organic delivery schemes set up across the country. Some organisations send out standard boxes containing the vegetables and fruit that are available at the time while others allow you to order exactly what you want with each delivery. Items are delivered to a local drop-off point or direct to your door.

Grow your own

The ultimate in healthy, tasty food has to be fresh organic produce picked straight from the garden. Even people with very small gardens or no garden at all can grow fresh produce in pots or on the windowsill. The other alternative is to hire an allotment. Growing your own food not only nourishes the body but the enjoyment and satisfaction gained from watching plants flourish also nourishes the soul. For more information on organic gardening contact the Henry Doubleday Research Association. 

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