Today’s BBC Breakfast programme and News 24 seem to be dominated (this morning at least) by the debate on organic food and air miles. Not a simple debate by any means, but one with huge complexities and which raises many questions.
Should organic be about carbon footprints? Should it even be about ethical trade? Or should it simply refer to methods that focus on safeguarding and improving animal welfare and the environment?
We know anyone reading this is going to have a view on that, and probably a strong one, but organic systems are coming increasingly under the microscope and it’s a discussion that’s got to be had…
You can see our own Chief Exec, Richard, contributing to the story on the BBC today by clicking here.
This major US brand is to open a three-floor store in London at the beginning of June offering organic and natural foods. It will apparently be the biggest food retailer in town. It’s approach to retailing is said to be somewhat different and the store will be full of seats for shoppers to take the weight off and gaze lovingly at the no-doubt enticing offerings.
Welfare standards have always been at the heart of organic systems, so it’s gratifying to see other areas of farming tightening up as well.
It’s part of the charity’s existing ten-acre site in the heart of Warwickshire and has been created by top garden designer Andy Jones.