FSA report on organic food A literature review on nutrient levels in organic food, funded by the Food Standards Agency received widespread coverage from the media. The report concluded that there were not significant nutritional differences between organic and non organic food. We were disappointed with the conclusions that the researchers reached, partly because the review rejected many of the studies of nutrient levels as they did not meet the particular requirements decided by the researchers. The researchers say that the increased levels of nutrients found in organic food were not significant because of the consequently small number of studies. The researchers also failed to include the results of a major European Union funded study (QLIF), which ended in April this year, and has already produced over 100 scientific papers. Results from this study include the findings that: 'Levels of a range of nutritionally desirable compounds (e.g. antioxidants, vitamins, glycosinolates) were shown to be higher in organic crops' and 'Levels of nutritionally undesirable compounds (e.g. mycotoxins, glycoalkaloids, Cadmium and Nickel) were shown to be lower in organic crops'. Although there was obviously some negative media around this story, there were also a number of positive pieces. As I am sure you will all recognise, organic farming and food systems are holistic, and have many other benefits, including the fact that organic food is not covered in pesticides, is a system which has the highest animal welfare standards, bans the routine use of antibiotics and increases wildlife on farms. For more information please click here.

Soil Association Organic Food Festival Right in the middle of Organic Fortnight comes the ninth Organic Food Festival, which will take place at Bristol Harbourside on the 12th and 13th September. The festival depends heavily on volunteers to help look after the exhibitors and help the organisers run the largest organic event in the UK. We need people that are reasonably fit and healthy to work quite long hours over the weekend and so we are asking you if you would like to get involved. If you’re interested, please contact Ben Quarrell at ben@theorganicfoodfestival.co.uk or call 011... for more details. Members are entitled to free entry to the festival but you must remember to bring along either your welcome letter or membership card. If you’re not already a member but wish to sign up when you arrive, you’ll not only receive free entry but you’ll also be able to pick up a free goody bag worth £15. So whether you decide to volunteer your help or simply go along to enjoy the day, we hope to see you there! Organic Fortnight runs from 5-20 September – find out more here

Food Security in the 21st Century - Soil Association Meetings As we respond to climate change and the imminence of peak-oil we are standing on the threshold of the most far reaching changes in our farming and food systems for over a half a century. Business as usual is no longer an option. But how can Soil Association members and licensees lead the change towards relocalised and resilient food systems in the UK? Our Director Patrick Holden will give an opening address on this theme at a series of Producer Roadshow meetings to which our members and supporters are warmly invited. One of the key changes that need to be made is the relationship between producers and the public and these meetings provide a forum for mutually supportive relationships to be formed. The meetings take place across England and Wales in September and October and our dates, venues and booking procedures can be found on our website. We'd love to see you!

Food for Life Partnership The Soil Association-led Food for Life Partnership - the programme that works with schools and their communities to transform food culture - has ended this school year on a high. There are now more than 1,100 schools enrolled on the programme and they have all committed to achieve at least the Food for Life Partnership Bronze Mark. This means they will be serving seasonal school meals with at least 75% of dishes freshly prepared by a well-trained school cook; pupils and parents are involved in planning improvements to school menus and the dining experience via a School Nutrition Action Group, boosting school meal take-up. Every pupil has the opportunity to visit a farm during their time at school, and opportunities are given for groups of pupils to do cooking and food growing activities. Here's looking forward to the new term!

Competitions! Remember to visit our competitions page this month - we have a case of fantastic wine to be won from Vintage Roots, some gorgeous Organic Body Spa Body Butter from Green People and a gift voucher to be spent on skincare products from Essential Care. See our webpage for more details. And if you are not one of the lucky winners of the Body Butter but would still like to try some of Green People’s products just email organic@greenpeople.co.uk with your name and address and they will send you a catalogue and a selection of sachets. Please quote ‘Soil Association competition’ in the subject line.

Speak to you again in September.

Stephen Last Director of Membership and Supporter Services The Soil Association is a membership charity. If you would like to make a donation, click here. Thank you for your continued support. If you would like some information to do with an area of our work that we haven’t addressed in this update, why not ask your question online?   Registered Charity Number: 206862

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