Latest News from OrganicFeed.co.uk

Spice up your summer at a River Cottage Open Day

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:38:10 GMT

Spice up your summer at a River Cottage Open Day

It’s the fourth year at Park Farm so go along to an open day to see just how the farm has developed. For just £11 you’ll gain a rare chance to explore Park Farm, talk to members of the team and enjoy some delicious, home-cooked River Cottage fare whilst you are there.

On arrival, you’ll be able to take yourself on a tour of the vegetable gardens, orchard and farm, where you will be able to see Park Farm’s happy livestock and horticultural work in progress. The team will be on hand to answer any of your questions about organic gardening and farming methods.
You will be able to watch a mini demo hosted by one of the brilliant contributors, such as butcher Ray Smith, or wild food expert John Wright, before enjoying a lunch from the River Cottage kitchen. Running through the summer, when the garden is at its most abundant, these events are designed to give you a real feel for River Cottage, and offer an amazing insight into what they do and why they do it.

Event dates:
7th–8th August 2010
21st–22nd August 2010

Autumn Fair

Come along to River Cottage’s fourth Autumn Fair and join Hugh and the team to celebrate the season. With music, workshops, food and fun, this is one celebration not to miss.

Event dates: 4th–5th September 2010

To find out more about these events and more visit www.rivercottage.net

A day to remember at River Cottage

Mon, 17 May 2010 13:17:50 GMT

After winning two places on the River Cottage ‘All about Chicken’s’ Course in the Organic Feed Company competition earlier this spring, Heather Sears tell us all about the day she and her husband spent at the famous River Cottage HQ in the Devon countryside.

“We had a great day at River Cottage – when we arrived we were taken down the steep track by tractor and converted trailer and were welcomed in the yurt with tea, coffee and chocolate brownies.

From there we went into the barn and were given a talk by Steve, Pammy and Richard on all topics chicken related, from husbandry to breeding, fox control to breeds of chickens for egg or meat production and then a mouthwatering cookery demo by Gill.

It was then outside to look at some chickens, Pammy, Richard and his wife had brought along a few of their own. Back in the warm barn, we were treated to a fabulous lunch with a chance to try some of the delights demonstrated earlier, along with a seafood soup and a very moreish rhubarb roullade.

After lunch we had the opportunity to explore the grounds of River Cottage. It was lovely to see where the filming takes place and meet some of the people involved.

In the afternoon, we were each presented with a chicken to gut. These had already been killed and plucked and everyone got down to the task set, with help from Pammy and some of the kitchen team. At the end of the day, we all headed back up the track to our cars with the prepared chickens after a great day.

I have three hens at home in my back garden which I have had for just over two years. They lay wonderful eggs and enjoy scratching about in the borders, clearing slugs and other garden pests. They are pets though so are saved from the pot.

Since coming home we have cooked our 2 chickens prepared at River Cottage and eaten or frozen them, with a sense of achievement because we had prepared them ourselves.

It is a day which we shall remember for a long time.”

Job opportunity at Allen & Page

Thu, 06 May 2010 12:17:18 GMT

Allen & Page has an opportunity for a talented and enthusiastic Area Sales Manager to cover the South West and Wales areas. The ideal candidate will be based in the Bristol/Somerset area and be target driven, self motivated and passionate about feeding animals naturally. To find out more and to download a job description and application form click here. Closing date for applications: Friday 28th May 2010.

Spring into Summer

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 09:50:49 GMT

The Organic Feed Company will be on hand at the Spring into Summer Fair at River Cottage HQ. Taking place on 5th and 6th May at Park Farm in Dorset, this is a great opportunity to discover everything that’s good about this abundant time of year. We will be at the Fair to answer any queries about feeding your animals the organic way.

River Cottage chooses the Organic Feed Company

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:52:57 GMT

The Organic Feed Company has teamed up with Devon-based River Cottage to supply its healthy, natural and fully organic feeds to animals on the farm. Hugh approached the Norfolk-based business as he had been using the feed back in the days of the original River Cottage and was impressed with the quality of the products as well as the ethics behind the business. This perfect partnership embraces a 100% natural organic philosophy which ensures healthy, happy animals and great quality produce. All Organic Feed Company products carry full Soil Association approval ensuring high quality and full traceability throughout, an important factor for the River Cottage team. For more on this story visit our River Cottage page here.

SA responds to FSA Organic Review

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:31:45 GMT

Responding to the review on organic food commissioned by the Food Standards Agency July 2009 (FSA), Peter Melchett, Policy Director at the Soil Association commented:
"We are disappointed in the conclusions the researchers have reached. The review rejected almost all of the existing studies of comparisons between organic and non-organic nutritional differences. This was because these studies did not meet particular criteria fixed by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, which carried out the review.

"Although the researchers say that the differences between organic and non-organic food are not 'important', due to the relatively few studies, they report in their analysis that there are higher levels of beneficial nutrients in organic compared to non-organic foods. For example, the mean positive difference between the following nutrients, when comparing organic to non-organic food, was found in the FSA study to be:

- Protein 12.7%
- Beta-carotene 53.6%
- Flavonoids 38.4%
- Copper 8.3%
- Magnesium 7.1%
- Phosphorous 6%
- Potassium 2.5%
- Sodium 8.7%
- Sulphur 10.5%
- Zinc 11.3%
- Phenolic compounds 13.2%

The researchers also found higher levels of beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids in organic meat and dairy products (between 2.1% - 27.8% higher) compared to non-organic meat and dairy.
The Soil Association is also disappointed that the FSA failed to include the results of a major European Union-funded study involving 31 research and university institutes and the publication, so far, of more than 100 scientific papers, at a cost of 18million Euros, which ended in April this year.

The European Union research programme concluded that:

'Levels of a range of nutritionally desirable compounds (e.g. antioxidants, vitamins, glycosinolates) were shown to be higher in organic crops'
'Levels of nutritionally undesirable compounds (e.g. mycotoxins, glycoalkaloids, Cadmium and Nickel) were shown to be lower in organic crops'.

In addition, levels of fatty acids, such as CLA and omega 3 were between 10 - 60% higher in organic milk and dairy products, and levels of Vitamin C were up to 90% higher in leafy vegetables and fruits.

There are limited studies available on the health benefits of organic versus non-organic food. Without large-scale, longitudinal research it is difficult to come to far-reaching clear conclusions on this, which was acknowledged by the authors of the FSA review.

Also, there is not sufficient research on the long-term effects of pesticides on human health.
In 2006 the European Commission said that "long-term exposure to pesticides can lead to serious disturbances to the immune system, sexual disorders, cancers, sterility, birth defects, damage to the nervous system and genetic damage."

Organic farming and food systems are holistic, and are produced to work with nature rather than to rely on oil-based inputs such as fertilisers. Consumers who purchase organic products are not just buying food which has not been covered in pesticides (the average apple may be sprayed up to 16 times with as many as 30 different pesticides) they are supporting a system that has the highest welfare standards for animals, bans routine use of antibiotics and increases wildlife on farms.

For more details see our website: http://www.soilassociation.org

(As reported by the Soil Association website)

SAO - Organic values on a budget

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:02:16 GMT

As thrifty shoppers look to make every pound go further, the benefits of going organic on a budget stretch far beyond great-tasting, additive-free food and drink.

Organic is first choice for consumers who want products which don't just taste, look or feel good, but which are environmentally-friendly, ethical, healthy and have the highest animal welfare standards in the UK too. To understand why organic offers genuine good value check out our five good reasons to choose organic and to make your shopping basket work harder check out our ten top ways to go organic on a budget.

Pass it on: for those passionate about the issues they can raise awareness of the benefits by hosting an ‘Organic credit crunch dinner’ for friends.

Soil Association Organic Fortnight kicks off with the Organic Food Awards – a celebration of the very best in organic food and drink. If this whets your appetite, the winners will be exhibiting at the Organic Food Festival 2009 - 12 & 13 September, at Bristol Harbourside.

Key messages:

Get more for your money - go organic. Organic products tick all the boxes for savvy consumers, they don't just taste, look or feel good, they are environmentally-friendly, ethical, healthy and have the highest animal welfare standards in the UK too.
Soil Association Organic Fortnight is a celebration of all things organic and runs from 5-20 September.
The Organic Food Festival is on 12 & 13 September in Bristol.
The Soil Association is a membership charity and relies on support from our members - join us and help in our fight for a healthier planet: http://www.soilassociation.org

Soil Association Organic Fortnight 2009 is a nationwide celebration of all things organic. Look out for events and activities in farm shops, markets, restaurants, health stores, cafes, pubs, schools and supermarkets across the whole of the UK.

For more details see our website: http://www.soilassociation.org

(As reported by the Soil Association website)

Tackling Climate Change - Training for Scottish Farmers

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:36:24 GMT

Minister for Environment Roseanna Cunningham today launched a new programme to help agricultural businesses prepare for the impacts of climate change.

Over a three year period, Soil Association Scotland's Climate Change Programme will deliver training, technical information, and one to one support to equip farmers with skills and knowledge to make their business more resilient, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)emissions.

According to a report to the Scottish Governent last may, agriculture could account for 25% of Scotland's total GHG emissions, and a release of only 1% of Scotland's soil-borne carbon annually would more than double total emissions. Significant changes in agricultural practice seem certain to be necessary to enable the government to deliver its commitment to cut Scotland's emissions by 80% by 2050. Soil Association Scotland's Climate Change Programme will help to bring those changes about.

Attending today's launch were NFU President Jim McLaren and Hugh Raven, Director of Soil Association Scotland. Jim McLaren said "Changes to our climate present one of the greatest challenges ever faced for agricultural production and the supply of food. Agriculture is often fingered as being a large part of the climate change problem - on the contrary I see our industry as offering a large part of the solution.

"However, sustainabilty in the longer term will depend on being able to adapt production methods to become even less carbon consumptive. Soil Association Scotland's new programme has lots to offer in terms of developing and encouraging best practice amongst farmers, without adversely affecting their ability to produce food and maintain the environment."

Hugh Raven said: "Scotland's farmers are known for being adaptable and resourceful. They will need to become even more so - both to take advantage of the opoprtunities offered by a warming world, and to reduce large scale-emissions from agriculture."

The programme begins with a day long training course looking at practical and cost effective ways to improve soil management, reduce dependence on inputs, and increase carbon sequestration. It will run on six days between May and October, hosted by a variety of farms across Scotland - covering topics including nutrient budgeting, use of farmyard manure, and conservation of soil organic matter. Participants will receive ongoing technical updates and one to one support over the life of the programme.

The programme has been developed to have wide relevance, and is open to anyone with a professional interest in agriculture and climate change. Some of the techniques covered are commonly used by organic farmers, but the programme is designed to benefit also those with little or no interest in organic farming or certification.

For further information please visit www.soilassociationscotland.org

Campaigners Urge Gordon Brown to Take Action

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:31:27 GMT

Campaigners urge Gordon Brown to take action over 'irresponsible use of antibiotics in the agricultural sector'. Soil Association director Patrick Holden and Compassion in World Farming director Philip Lymbery have written to the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, urging him to recognise the importance of statements made in the recent Chief Medical Officer's report, on the problem of antimicrobial resistance being transferred from farm animals to humans.

Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson refers to 'Irressponsible antibiotic use in the agricultural sector' and calls for 'tighter regulation of use in animals'. He also states that 'Resistant bacteria developing in animals could pose a threat to people. Antibiotics must be used in moderation in agricultural settings and only when necessary for animal welfare. Every antibiotic expected by a patient, every unnecessary prescription written by a doctor, every uncomplicated course of antibitotics, and every inappropriate or unecessary use in animals or agriculture is potentially signing a death warrant for a future patient.'

Soil Association director Patrick Holden said 'The Soil Association and Compassion in World Farming strongly welcome Sir Liam's statements. We have chosen to raise this issue with Gordon Brown because we feel that only he is in a position to get DEFRA and the Department of Health working together in an effective and meaningful way, to extend the Government's important campaign to discourage unecessary antibiotic use by doctors and members of the public to include veterinary surgeons and farmers.'

While the government has directly intervened to reduce usage in human medicine, it has relied instead on a range of voluntary initiatives by the farming, retail and pharmaceutical industries purporting to encourage the 'responsible use' of antimicrobials. While we welcome these in principle, it is clear that in practice they do little more than endorse the irresponsible approach to the agricultural use of antibiotics and other veterinary antimocrobials that has persisted for many decades.

Compassion in World Farming director Philip Lymbery said 'The responsible use of veterinary medicines is one thing; the routine use of antibiotics to keep animals in unhealthy intensive systems is another. It is imperative that Gordon Brown takes action to address the routine use of antibiotics in intensive farms for the benefit of both human health and animal welfare.'

The publication of the Chief Medical Officer's Annual Report coincided with the launch of a documentary 'Sick as a Pig' commissioned by the Soil Association, in conjunction with Compassion in World Farming, exposing the rise of a worrying new strain of MRSA in farm animals and its link to the continuing regular use of antibiotics in livestock feed.

Soil Association agrees no change on organic animal feed standards

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:48:15 GMT

Following a thorough and wide-ranging consultation, which looked at whether any changes are justified to organic animal feed standards in the current recession, the Soil Association’s independent standards board has decided against making any changes. All food certified by the Soil Association and sold as organic will continue to be produced under full organic standards.

180 responses were received in response to the recent consultation; the majority, were from Soil Association farmers and growers. Three quarters of the respondents were opposed to allowing any changes to the standards covering animal feed.

Respondents noted the importance of retaining the integrity of Soil Association standards and expressed concern about the potential for damaging consumer confidence. They also pointed out that what might help livestock farmers could do damage to the organic feed market and the arable farmers who supply it.

Anna Bradley, chair of the Soil Association Standards Board said;

‘The Board agreed that making ad hoc changes of this sort would damage the integrity of the standards and could rock consumer confidence. Consumers expect ‘Soil Association Organic’ to stand for the highest quality in organic food and that is a reputation the Standards Board wants to retain.’

The Soil Association believes it is vital that organic standards are kept high and enforced effectively and aims to ensure that Soil Association standards meet consumer expectations, reflect the best sustainable practice and become a benchmark for organic production globally. Soil Association standards deliver the highest standards of animal welfare, were the first to ban the use of GM, and the first standards anywhere in the world to ban the use of nanotechnology in food. The Soil Association led the way in developing standards to conserve water and encourage environmentally sustainable packaging, and to cover organic textiles, food served in restaurants and health and beauty products.