If we were offered the chance to take simple steps to change the food system for the better, most of us would jump at the chance.
If we were told that these changes also had the potential to positively impact on the climate crisis, stall biodiversity loss and improve soil quality, not to act would seem utterly counter-intuitive.
Organic September – the UK’s biggest Organic campaign is to inform our community about the wide range of benefits from making Organic choices across our food, textile, beauty and lifestyle purchases.
The Soil Association, Nutraceuticals Organic certification body, is a major force in affecting this consumer and societal change. Formed over 70 years ago, they are the only national charity working across the spectrum of human health, the environment and animal welfare to promote change.
They identify that ‘Organic systems take a balanced look at sustainability, a nature-friendly approach to farming that benefits our soil health and wildlife populations and has huge potential for capturing and reducing greenhouse emissions’.
Organic farmers are geared to ensuring that wildlife thrives alongside their productions and, as such, rely on finding innovative ways to grow crops without pesticides.
Chemicals are having a catastrophic effect on our beloved pollinators – with up to 35 bee species and a shocking 71% of British butterflies currently facing extinction. Organic farms, by avoiding the use herbicides or synthetic pesticides, support significantly more wildlife than non-organic farms.
Another area of environmental loss that Organic farming is dedicated to halting is soil degradation. Intensive farming has contributed to the equivalent of 30 football pitches of soil lost every minute to degradation. A reported 95% of our food supply comes from the earth, so we cannot delay our response to prioritise soil health. Organic systems use crop rotation, water conservation and vegetation maintenance to care for the soil that feeds their crops and feeds the World.
Choosing Organic isn’t just for the health of the planet that you can positively influence, research has demonstrated that Organic options have significant benefits for human health.
Studies show that there are often more vitamins, minerals and Omega-3s in Organic produce. In a systematic review, researchers found higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants in some organic fruit and vegetables. Additionally, contaminants in Organic materials have been shown to be lower than in conventional versions of the same product. In many instances, Organic produce has lower incidence of pesticide residues. Due to the strict classification of ingredients that can be Organically certified, Organic products are ‘cleaner’ than many conventional alternatives – all artificial colourings and sweeteners are banned in organic food.
It must be acknowledged, though, that there can be barriers to converting to Organic. Scepticism, cost and availability are topics that have been raised in this debate. Some consumers view Organic shopping as ‘only for hippies’ – based on an old fashioned and unsubstantiated production concept.
To deal with the challenges of food production in a world of population pressure and climate uncertainty, Organic producers must progress innovatively, collaboratively and with research-based methods.
These initiatives take real commitment and attention to detail. This level of stewardship and involvement means increased production costs which result in higher price tags for the consumer. Surely though, there is there’s real value in paying a little more to support farming systems that produce food as part of healthy ecosystems, sustaining wildlife. Part of The Soil Association’s work as a charity has been lobbying government to incentivise and subsidise organic farm conversions, and to encourage the procurement of organic consumables for the public sector. A side benefit of these campaigns will hopefully be a reduction of the cost gap between organic and non-organic and the awareness of Organic options within a broader audience – resulting in greater accessibility for all.
Going Organic doesn’t mean that you need to rework your whole lifestyle. Why not start by switching one thing – the small change that you commit to can still make a world of difference?
The Soil Association have great resources to help make the case for Organics clearer, plus they also give tips on how to make simple alterations to make the positive possible. Their myth busting article blows away some commonly held misconceptions about what ‘Organic’ stands for https://www.soilassociation.org/organic-living/organic-september/organic-mythbusters/
and the hints in ‘30 Ways to Join the Organic Movement’ give enjoyable ways to get started. https://www.soilassociation.org/organic-living/organic-september/30-ways-to-join-the-organic-movement/
At Nutraceuticals, we value our Organic Certification very highly and love sharing our enthusiasm with our customers.
Our accreditation from The Soil Association means that the Organic products that we offer are legally certified Organic, meeting strict standards set under EU law. To maintain this standard for these products, we are subject to rigorous annual inspections, audits, spot checks and have to adhere to forward-thinking standards covering everything from manufacturing standards and traceability; to packaging and logistics. With all the commitment required to be part of The Soil Association and uphold its ethical values, it is a ‘badge’ that we wear with pride, we are proud of the team effort we put in to provide information and confident that we the same smooth, swift service to customers with all our Organic materials.
The Soil Association sets out the case for adopting Organics so succinctly with their statement that,
‘we are all food citizens, with the power to change the food systems we are a part of. Let choosing organic be the first in a series of holistic steps towards living more sustainably this September’
We’ve celebrated Organic September, but our Organic commitment is for life!
The list of diverse Organic ingredients that Nutraceuticals offer is always expanding, so please contact us to discuss how to make them part of your next creation.
NIGEHER000621-SAORG Acai Berry Fruit Powder Freeze Dried (Euterpe oleracea Martius) Organic Certified
NIGEHER000702-SAORG Acerola Cherry Fruit Extract 17% Vitamin C 2:1 (Malpighia glabra) Organic Certified
NIGEHER000951-SAORG Agave Juice Powder (Agave americana) Organic Certified
NIGESWE001211-SAORG Agave Syrup (Agave americana) Organic Certified
NIGEHER001121-SAORG Alfalfa Juice Powder (Medicago sativa) Organic Certified
NIGEHER002101-SAORG Apple Fruit Powder (Malus pumila) Organic Certified
NIGEHER002115-SAORG Apple Juice Sugar Powder (Malus pumila) Organic Certified
NIGEHER002421-SAORG Artichoke Leaf Powder (Cynara scolymus l.) Organic Certified
NIGEHER002703-SAORG Ashwagandha Root Extract 5% Withanolides (Withania somnifera) Organic Certified
NIGEHER002711-SAORG Ashwagandha Root Powder (Withania somnifera) Organic Certified
NIGEHER003851-SAORG Barley Grass Juice Powder (Hordeum vulgare) Organic Certified
NIGEHER003801-SAORG Barley Grass Powder (Hordeum vulgare) Organic Certified
NIGEHER004151-SAORG Beetroot Powder (Beta vulgaris) Organic Certified
NIGEHER004910-SAORG Bilberry Fruit Powder (Vaccinium myrtillus) Organic Certified
NIGEHER005800-SAORG Black Pepper Powder (Piper nigrum) Organic Certified
NIGEHER006703-SAORG Blueberry Fruit Powder (Vaccinium angustifolium) Organic Certified
NIGEPRT000101-SAORG Brown Rice Protein Isolate 80% (Oryza sativa) Vegan Organic Certified
NIGESWE001201-SAORG Brown Rice Syrup (Oryza sativa) Organic Certified
NIGECOL000101-SAORG Burnt Sugar Colour 820 Organic Certified
NIGEHER010950-SAORG Cacao Powder Raw (Theobroma cacao) Organic Certified
NIGEHER009778-SAORG Chaga Mushroom Sclerotium Powder (Inonotus obliquus) Organic Certified #
NIGEHER010101-SAORG Chlorella Powder (Chlorella vulgaris) Organic Certified (Allergen – Natural Sulphites)
NIGEHER010301-SAORG Cinnamon Bark Powder (Cinnamomi cassiae) Organic Certified
NIGENUL000771-SAORG Coconut MCT Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil – Caprylic C8 / Capric C10 (Cocos nucifera) Organic Certified
NIGEHER042145-SAORG Coconut Water Powder (Cocos nucifera) Vegan Organic Certified
NIGEHER042161-SAORG Coconut Water Powder Freeze Dried (Cocos nucifera) Vegan Organic Certified
NIGEHER011389-SAORG Cordyceps Militaris Mushroom Fruiting Body Extract 50% Polysaccharides (Cordyceps militaris) Organic Certified #
NIGEHER012051-SAORG Cumin Seed Powder (Cuminum cyminum) Organic Certified
NIGEHER012801-SAORG Dandelion Root Powder (Taraxacum officinale) Organic Certified
NIGESWE001102-SAORG Erythritol Powder 18-60 Mesh Organic Certified
NIGEHER016801-SAORG Ginger Root Powder (Zingiber officinale) Organic Certified
NIGEHER017201-SAORG Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Powder (Brown) (Ginkgo biloba l.) Organic Certified
NIGEHER018901-SAORG Goji Berry Fruit Powder (Lycium chinense miller) Organic Certified
NIGEHER019501-SAORG Gotu Kola Powder (Centella asiatica) Organic Certified
NIGEHER021601-SAORG Guarana Seed Extract 10% Caffeine (Paullinia cupana) Organic Certified
NIGEPRT000501-SAORG Hemp Seed Protein 50% (Cannabis sativa) Vegan Organic Certified
NIGEPRT000515-SAORG Hemp Seed Protein 75% (Cannabis sativa) Vegan Organic Certified
NIGEHER024905-SAORG Lemon Juice Powder (Citrus limonum) Organic Certified
NIGEHER024891-SAORG Lemon Whole Fruit Powder (Citrus limonum) Organic Certified
NIGEHER025451-SAORG Lucuma Fruit Powder (Pouteria lucuma Kuntze) Organic Certified
NIGEHER026101-SAORG Maca Root Powder (Lepidium meyenii) Organic Certified
NIGEHER026208-SAORG Maitake Fruiting Body Powder (Grifola frondosa) Organic Certified #
NIGEHER000915-SAORG Mango Fruit Powder Freeze Dried (Mangifera indica l.) Organic Certified
NIGEHER026211-SAORG Mango Powder (Mangifera indica) Freeze Dried Organic Certified
NIGEHER021448-SAORG Matcha Green Tea Powder (Camellia sinensis) Organic Certified
NIGEHER021461-SAORG Matcha Green Tea Powder Japanese No.25 (Camellia sinensis) Organic Certified
NIGEHER021471-SAORG Matcha Green Tea Powder Japanese No.40 (Camellia sinensis) Organic Certified
NIGEHER021451-SAORG Matcha Green Tea Powder Japanese Tsuru (Camellia sinensis) Organic Certified
NIGEHER027404-SAORG Moringa Oleifera Leaf Powder (Moringa oleifera) Organic Certified
NIGECER000191-SAORG Oat Flour Gluten Free (Avena sativa) Organic Certified
NIGEHER029303-SAORG Papaya Fruit Powder (Carica papaya) Organic Certified
NIGEPRT001001-SAORG Pea Protein Isolate 80% (Pisum sativum) Vegan Organic Certified
NIGEHER026111-SAORG Peruvian Maca Root Powder (Lepidium meyenii) Organic Certified
NIGEHER030611-SAORG Pineapple Fruit Powder Freeze Dried (Ananas comosus) Organic Certified
NIGEHER030621-SAORG Pineapple Juice Concentrate (Ananas comosus) Organic Certified
NIGEHER030806-SAORG Poppy Powder (Papaver somniferum) Organic Certified
NIGEHER031711-SAORG Psyllium Husk Powder 95% Pure 40 Mesh (Plantago ovata) Organic Certified
NIGEPRT000521-SAORG Pumpkin Seed Protein 60% (Cucurbita moschata Duch) Vegan Organic Certified
NIGEHER032451-SAORG Raspberry Fruit Powder Freeze Dried (Fructus rubi) Organic Certified
NIGEHER033121-SAORG Reishi Mushroom Fruiting Body Powder (Ganoderma lucidum) Organic Certified #
NIGEHER034601-SAORG Rosemary Leaf Powder (Rosmarinus officinalis l.) Organic Certified
NIGEHER018352-SAORG Siberian Ginseng Extract 10:1 (Eleutherococcus senticosus) Organic Certified
NIGEHER027325-SAORG Sour (Tart) Cherry Juice Concentrate (Prunus cerasus) Organic Certified
NIGEHER034801-SAORG Spirulina Powder (Arthrospira platensis) Organic Certified (Allergen – Natural Sulphites)
NIGEHER038491-SAORG Turmeric Root Extract 95% Curcuminoids Powder (Curcuma longa) Organic Certified
NIGEHER038811-SAORG Turmeric Root Powder (Curcuma longa) Organic Certified
NIGEHER027715-SAORG Velvet Bean Powder (Mucuna pruriens) Organic Certified
NIGEHER039811-SAORG Wheat Grass Juice Powder (Triticum aestivum) Organic Certified (Allergen – Gluten)
NIGEHER039801-SAORG Wheat Grass Powder (Triticum aestivum) Organic Certified (Allergen – Gluten