Glossary

What is organic food?

 Although organic certifications and standards vary, the general rule is that organic food is produced without the use of pesticides, artificial fertilisers or biotechnology (GM foods) in the aim to make food production less of a burden on the environment. Farm animals also benefit from organic certification as the animal welfare standards are higher than free-range.

The Soil Association is the UK's leading organic organisation which promotes organic food and farming. The Soil Association has it's own certification symbol that guarantees certain organic standards.

According to their website, a brief summary of the organic standards are as follows:

  • severely restricted use of pesticides
  • artificial chemical fertilisers are prohibited
  • animal cruelty is prohibited
  • the routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers is disallowed
  • genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are banned

Instead of using the strong chemicals present in conventional farming, organic farms aim to cultivate biodiversity on the farmland and in the soil so that the wildlife takes care of the pests itself. The farms also use crop rotation to maintain fertile soil, and keep their herds small to reduce the chances of diseases.

If you see the Soil Association Symbol on food packaging, you know that these standards are being met.




What is Fairtrade?

The Fairtrade Foundation is a non-profit organisation that promotes fair trading, primarily through licencing the use of the Fairtrade Mark on food packaging. This Mark can be found on licenced foods, guaranteeing a set of trading standards that aim to make a better deal for the producers.

The Fairtrade Foundation aim to support sustainable social, economic and environmental development for small scale farmers through the implementation of these standards.

Here is a summary of the standards and agreements that must be maintained between producers and traders, taken from the Fairtrade website:

  • The traders must agree a Fairtrade minimum price with the producers
  • The traders must provide an additional Fairtrade premium to be invested in local social, economic and environmental development
  • The traders must pay the producers up to at least 60% in advance if needed (although they may charge interest within reason)
  • Strong long-term relationships must be built between the traders and producers, emphasising the idea of a partnership
  • Traceability systems must be in place as well as full record-keeping
  • Any subcontractors used must comply with the same regulations and will be audited
  • Clear minimum and progressive criteria must be set to ensure that the conditions for the production and trade of a product are socially and economically fair and environmentally responsible.


The Fairtrade Mark ensures that these standards are being met.