Organic farmers work by.....

Building up a healthy fertile soil
Food crops take goodness from the soil, so after harvesting four years of crops, clover is grown for two years, to help restore the health of the soil, and build up new reserves of Nitrogen.

Recycling natural wastes
Natural fertilisers like farm manure - dung and straw from the cattle building - enrich the soil and encourage plant growth.

Creating wildlife habitats
Trees and hedges are planted to provide homes for birds, bats and predatory insects like lady birds. These creatures then feed on insect pests which could otherwise damage crops.

Protecting the environment
Because chemical fertilisers and pesticides are not used, there are no poisons to pollute water, soil and your food.

Providing high standards of animal welfare
Farm animals have access to fields and fresh air and are fed a healthy, natural diet with no routine use drugs or feed additives. The good quality of the life led by organic animals minimises illness, but if animals do fall ill, they are immediately seen by our vet, and if necessary treated with veterinary medicines.

Courtyard Farm is certified by the Soil Association. The Soil Association's organic mark is a guarantee to the consumer that food is produced to the highest standards of animal welfare and environmental protection. The Soil Association believes that organic farming is the only way that high quality food production can go hand in hand with caring for the countryside and its wildlife.

The Soil Association campaigns for climate-friendly and healthy food (especially in schools and hospitals), against the use of GM crops, and promotes animal welfare, healthy wildlife and social benefits of organic farming and food. The Soil Association depends on public support - please join! www.soilassociation.org