Contents


Yew Tree Farm, near Coniston, has never been licensed organic. ”I believe organic is a great thing, but for us it is not practical,” says Caroline Watson. ”With the topography of the Lake District there is not enough grazing land to then also set aside growing land for growing the fodder we need in the winter without using some fertilizer. And getting organic feed to Cumbria involves a lot of miles, so it’s not necessarily good for the environment.”


Organic producers T


he number of organic producers in Cumbria and North Lancashire has increased dramatically in recent years.


Some farmers sell directly into the wholesale market, but others are developing their own markets and selling to customers through farmers’ markets, retailers or by mail order.


Details on how to purchase organic products direct from the producers can be found overleaf, as well as information on where you can learn more about organic farming and the environmental benefits it brings through farm trails and organised visits.


Harvesting at Growing Well © michaellishman.com


Willowford Sheep Squash at Low Stanger Eva’s Organics Slack House Farm Geese at Croft Farm Organic Cumbria


s ed by


ria


de s e at can


sions r


ol- press.


Discover the finest producers of organic food in Cumbria & North Lancashire


Producing organic food


Organic principles can be applied to the production of meat and dairy products as well as plants grown for consumption.


Organic fruit and vegetables are grown without depending on artificial chemical fertilisers and pesticides, relying instead on the development of healthy fertile soils through composting and manures. All organic food crops have to be weeded by hand or mechanical means, and pests are controlled by the use of natural predators or by creating physical barriers to prevent crop damage. Plant diseases can be minimised through careful plant management. For example by growing a diverse range of crops in rotation and by selecting naturally disease-resistant varieties.


Organic meat comes from animals reared on land that has been organically certified. The animals have plenty of access to fresh air and pasture and are fed healthy natural diets. Medicines may only be given if an animal becomes ill, but cannot be used routinely. Organic meat producers place great emphasis on sustainability and keep fewer animals on their land to avoid disease and over grazing.


nics The Watermill at Little Salkeld


www.cumbriaorganics.org 8


Organic fruit and veg are on the up While organic meats are in decline in Cumbria, organically licensed fruit and vegetable growers are increasing in numbers, according to Cumbria Organics new leaflet, just out. Organic dairy production is also stable in the county. More information on www.cumbriaorganics.org


Quality standards


All organic food production and processing is governed by a strict set of rules, assured by inspections and backed up by an organic certification symbol. There are a number of organic certifying bodies, all of which are approved by DEFRA. Every organic producer pays an annual fee to be registered with one of the certification bodies and is required to keep detailed records. By buying organic food, the consumer contributes to the environmental benefits of organic farming and has the reassurance of knowing that the product is additive-free and fully traceable from farm to plate.


is one of the main national organisations


that provide help and advice for organic producers and consumers. Further information can be found at www.soilassociation.co.uk.


Other organic certification symbols to look for:


Organic milk and dairy products are produced from cows fed on a natural grass-based diet. New research has proved that organic milk is higher in vitamins, antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids than non-organic milk.


For more information about organic food, go to www.whyiloveorganic.org


Environmental benefits


The Government and their statutory advisors state: “[Organic farming] is better for wildlife, causes lower pollution from sprays, produces less carbon dioxide and dangerous wastes, has high animal welfare standards and creates extra jobs in the countryside” (Organic Action Plan, 2002).


Slack House Farm


Organic Farmers and Growers (OF&G) www.organicfarmers.uk.com


Organic Food Federation (OFF) www.orgfoodfed.com


Scottish Organic Growers (SOPA) www.sopa.org.uk


Bio-Dynamic Agriculture Association (BDAA) www.biodynamic.org.uk


The organic logo of the EU. You will find it alongside the organic symbols shown above.


Willowford Farm B&B Issue 10 • May-June 2011


What is organic farming?


O rganic farmers work with nature to ensure


healthy soil, crops and livestock by using a combination of methods:


• rotating crops (to replenish nutrients and avoid the build-up of pests, weeds and diseases)


• planting clover crops (to add nitrogen to the soil)


• adding nutrient-rich composts and manure to the soil


• providing natural grass-based diets for cattle and sheep


• keeping animals in free-range conditions with minimal use of medicines


• ensuring animal welfare needs are met


• supporting wildlife by providing suitable habitats for predators such as ladybirds, beetles


and birds (to keep pest species under control)


Chemical fertilisers, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms are not used as part of this farming system.


Appleby Crea Low Luckens


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24