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Here’s a speech delivered by HRH The Prince of Wales at the inaugural “Food for Life” Awards in London recently. It’s so insightful that I thought it should be included in full. This is the kind of support the organic movement needs to combat the assault from industrial agricultural concerns. Enjoy. Ladies and gentlemen, if I may say so, it really is a huge pleasure to be here this afternoon to present these inaugural “Food for Life Partnership Awards”.  I know from Peter Melchett and Emma Noble, who have worked so tirelessly on this campaign, that they are immensely heartened that so many schools have met the criteria to be award winners in this first year of the awards.  The fact that there is no gold winner this...

If you’re a farmer, why do you grow organic food? If you’re a consumer, why do you buy organic food? I’m guessing that you do so because you feel confident that it’s a better option. If you’re a farmer, it probably gives you more opportunity, either directly or indirectly, to market and sell your produce. And if like me you’re a consumer, organic food provides you and your family with an opportunity to enjoy food the way it’s meant to be – free of GMOs, pesticides, hormones, and other nasties. But where does our confidence in the organic industry come from? Is it something that’s intuitive? For some the answer to that is probably yes. But for most of us, myself included, our confidence in organics is gained through experiences,...

Jose Elanjhimattam is an organic farmer from Kerala, India. He is one of a growing number of Indian farmers who are making the switch from chemical fertilizers to organic principles. In this video, Jose explains how the loss of soil nutrients arising from past chemical fertilizer misuse had rendered his land sterile. During the three year transition phase Jose’s soil was incapable of supporting crops. Armed with an academic background in agriculture as well as knowledge of traditional Indian farming practices, Jose has been able to successfully reinvigorate his farmland into a productive asset supporting organically grown black pepper crops. Sphere: Related Content

A good selection of perennials provides an ongoing framework for the organic flower garden. Perennials are plants which flourish, then die back before re-establishing themselves in a seasonal cycle which should continue for at least several years. They can almost be considered permanent in cooler climates which provide favourable growing conditions. On account of this longevity, it is worthwhile preparing their ground thoroughly prior to planting. Most perennials benefit from well aerated soils which contain substantial quantities of thoroughly broken down organic materials such as compost, manure, and leaf mould. Healthy juveniles are generally available as potted plants from organic nurseries and plant wholesalers. In temperate climates these...

From historical times to present, writers and artists have always sought inspiration amidst the strength and majesty of living trees. They comfort the soul, and quietly offer their reassurance during difficult times. An American Indian proverb describes them as our silent brothers, sharing the sacred journey of life. Whether chosen for their flowers, fruit, or foliage, trees are accurately described as framework plants. In this capacity they influence the visual and aesthetic characteristics of their surrounding environment. Above all, trees provide the sense of permanence which characterises an established organic garden. Once established, many varieties of tree are low maintenance and provide an additional dimension to gardens, particularly...