Organic food is fresh or processed food produced using organic-based pest controls, bio-fertilizers, and organic matter such as crop composite and animal manure to improve biological diversity and soil fertility. Organic farming practice prohibits the use of GMOs, growth hormones, antibiotics, and inorganic fertilizers. Similarly, the organic crop production process entails using unadulterated seeds or rhizomes. The best thing about organic food is that it is not only better for our health, but it is also a fine way of taking care of mother earth.
If you are pro-environment, going organic is a vital component of an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Reducing your carbon footprint by switching to electric vehicles and even using other modes of transport only when you have to will also keep mother nature safe. For instance, you don’t need to drive to the grocery store or mall for your shopping. If possible, shop online instead. The same goes for entertainment. For example, instead of catching a plane or train to a land-based casino, switch to top-rated online platforms like GGbet casino. It will be much more convenient and budget-friendly as you won’t have to incur transport and accommodation costs.
IFOAM: The Organic Food Watchdog
Organic food companies follow regulations set by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). Farmers can even use the body’s organic seed database to find sources for organic seeds to ensure that their products are entirely organic. So, if you see an EU organic label on any products you buy, know that the company has abided by the IFOAM rules from planting to processing.
It’s also worth pointing out that IFOAM policies do not allow the marketing of hydroponic crops as organic produce because organic plants should be grown naturally in soil. However, fish reared in aquaponics can be sold as organic if the farmers follow the rules on organic aquaculture. Below are some of the top-three organic food companies in Europe.
Yeo Valley
Founded in 1961, Yeo Valley is the largest organic dairy company in the UK. It has been producing yogurt since 1993. The company encouraged local farmers to produce organic milk, form a co-operative, and guaranteed to buy the milk from them. Yeo has won two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in 2001 and 2006 for product quality and extension support of UK organic farming.
Every year, the soil association inspects the farm to ensure it meets the required standards to run an organic farm. The cows’ feed comes from the Yeo Valley farm. The farm plants nitrogen-fixing plants such as clover, improving the soil’s nutrient content and improving the cows’ diet. In addition, the company makes silage from grass which is used to feed the cows during winter. Yeo company produces organic products such as frozen нogurt, children’s products such as Yeotubes, Little Yeos, and First Yeos.
Alnatura
Alnatura is a producer of organic food and has a chain of 180 supermarkets in Germany. Alnatura products comply with standards set by associations such as Naturland and Bioland. The company is also a member of the IFOAM and a founding member of Bund Ökologische Lebensmittelwirtschaft (BÖLW). This ensures that they are producing and selling certified organic products.
Under their Bio 7 initiative, the company uses crop rotation and beneficial insects to improve soil fertility instead of using artificial fertilizers or spray. For example, Alnatura grows legumes that are rich in nitrogen to use as compost.
Planet Organic
The company opened its doors in 1995, and it is now the largest Soil Association certified organic store in the UK. The franchise expects to grow its stores from 8 to 18 in the next few years. Planet Organic believes that organic farming is a sustainable way of farming, and the product is best for our health.
All the company’s foods, juices, smoothies, and coffee are organic and do not contain GMOs, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives. They source fresh produce, meat, eggs, and dairy from British organic farms. The fish sold in their stores is sustainably sourced and are all under the ‘Fish to Eat List’ by the Marine Conservation Society.
Parting Shot
Over the last decade, there has been an increase in demand for organic foods in Europe. This is because the foods have higher nutrient content, such as minerals, vitamins than inorganic foods. Furthermore, natural methods to grow the food reduce pollution and increase soil fertility. If you genuinely want to make a difference for your health, immunity, and the environment you live in at large, then you should also join the organic food movement today!
