According to pioneer environmentalist and founder of the Soil Association Lady Eve Balfour 'The criteria for a sustainable agriculture can be summed up in one word - permanence which means adopting techniques that maintain soil fertility indefinitely that utilise as far as possible, only renewable sources; that do not grossly pollute the environment; and that foster biological activity within the soil and throughout the cycles of all the involved food chains.'
Waitrose respects this early view of organic farming and all organic farmers have to follow certain rules which impacts on the food they produce. For example, there are tight controls on chemicals allowed in organic farming. Organic farming also bans the use of genetically modified crops.
Organic produce is cultivated using a system of crop rotation (a method which helps to keep the soil healthy). Organic agriculture aims to be sustainable and to maintain land in a healthy, fertile state for future generations. Organic growing techniques focus on maintaining a healthy soil and minimise the use of pesticides. Thus, environmental pollution is limited and wildlife protected and regenerated. In some ways, organic farming is a return to traditional techniques but combined with many advantages of modern technology. High standards of animal welfare and consideration for local wildlife are a priority for our farmers.
All crops labelled as organic are governed by EU regulations which are implemented by the government in each European country. In the UK DEFRA licences organisations to approve organic farms and producers including the processing, manufacturing, packing, labelling and distribution of organic foods. Only foods which have been certified by one of the approved organisations in the UK, such as the Soil Association or Organic Farmers and Growers can be legally sold as organic.
We currently stock over 1,300 organic product lines and are committed to sourcing our organic products, whenever possible and practical, from within the UK.
For more information
Read about the Waitrose commitment to organics.
Find out more about organic products at Waitrose.