More and more people are turning to organic products not only for health reasons but to do their bit for the planet too. Soil Association Organic Fortnight is about raising greater awareness about the true benefits of organic production, and persuading even more people to make the switch. Soil Association Organic Fortnight brings together individuals, communities, retailers, restaurants, schools and organic farms and businesses across Britain to celebrate all things organic. This year we are urging everyone to ‘Love your planet, choose organic’. As concerns over climate change and food security shoot up the political agenda, and controversy over biofuels and GM crops increasingly make front page news, Soil Association Organic Fortnight gives us all a chance to focus on the ways in which organic food and farming are kinder to the planet.
During the campaign we're inviting everyone with an interest in organic, the environment, human health or animal welfare to get involved. The campaign kicks off in Bristol with the Soil Association Organic Food Festival, Europe's largest organic celebration. » find out about the Soil Association Organic Festival 2008 How can I get involved? A good way to get involved is to stage your own event or promotional activity during the Fortnight – this is a movement from the grassroots up. Next, let the Soil Association know what you are doing by logging your event online. Details of how to do this will appear in the next few days. Visitors to the Soil Association website can search for events in their area, and the Soil Association press office will pass on details of events to the national press. To download the logo: - click on the file with the right mouse button (option+click if using a mac). - select Save Target As (for Internet Explorer) or Save Link As... (in Firefox). Posters and stickers The Soil Association can provide free posters and stickers to use at events or in-store. In a few days you will be able to place your order online. These will be free (within reasonable numbers!). Nearer the time, you will be able to download the poster to print out yourself. The Soil Association Organic Fortnight logo is also available to download now. Getting involved Soil Association Organic Fortnight is yours to make the most of. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Visit a Soil Association demonstration farm Start growing your own veg – make space in your garden, get an allotment or create some window boxes Host an organic breakfast – at restaurants, hotels, B&Bs, cafes, offices, universities, schools, day nurseries, factories, tourist attractions, care homes, hospitals, for friends… Stage an organic tasting Run an organic cookery class Hold a talk or debate Arrange a mass organic picnic Host a mini organic street festival with local music and organic food competitions Organise a Canteen Challenge – enjoy an organic breakfast or brunch at work Companies - link up with other brands to utilise food service networks in the work place Create your own organic breakfast club – at school, at nursery, amongst new mums Organise a school assembly or organic cookery lesson at your local school Stage an organic fashion show Enjoy an organic meal at your wedding Become a member of the Soil Association
What other events are on? Soil Association Organic Food Festival 2008 6 - 7 September, Harbourside, Bristol Saturday 10am – 6pm Sunday 10am – 5pm Kicking off Soil Association Organic Fortnight is the Soil Association Organic Food Festival, sponsored by Yeo Valley Organic - Europe's largest celebration of all things organic. Set in Bristol’s famous harbourside, and now in its eight year, over 300 organic companies will be represented. The festival incorporates bustling food markets, the very best organic food, drink, fashion, skincare and homeware products, a green planet pavilion, a demonstration kitchen, a talks programme, food cruises around the harbour, and an arts and entertainment fringe that includes food demonstrations, children's activities, music and street theatre. New to 2008, is our ‘grow your own’ organic gardening feature, where you will be able to pick up useful tips and advice, as well as: The ‘Food for Life’ Partnership Cooking Bus – a great opportunity to encourage healthy eating and food safety messages to school children in an engaging way More seating and eating areas for visitors An improved layout to assist visitor flow throughout the Festival sites Food trails and competitions Interactive 'exhibitor led' food demonstrations Soil Association members and under 16s get in for free and those that join on the day get their entry fee reimbursed The Soil Association, in partnership with First Travel, are offering a 2 for 1 on festival tickets on presentation on proof of using First Travel transport » www.soilassociation.org/festival Glasgow Organic Food Festival 2008 20 – 21 September Scotland will be celebrating Soil Association Organic Fortnight with the Glasgow Organic Food Festival. Coinciding with the final weekend of Scottish Food Fortnight, the event will benefit from two major publicity campaigns. This year, Soil Association Scotland has partnered up with Doors Open Day, which welcomed 35,000 visitors last year. Promotional opportunities include guided walks looking at the history of food in Glasgow and chefs demonstrating favourite dishes from the 1920s-1940s. The expanded 2008 festival occupies more of the Merchant City’s historic venues, with the stunning Ramshorn Theatre hosting a programme of talks and tastings, exhibits including skincare, textiles and green home market plus an organic cafe. The food market returns to the Old Fruitmarket. » www.soilassociationscotland/festivalscotland Soil Association Organic Experience Spring to September Look out for the Soil Association Organic Experience this summer, now in its fourth year - sample organic food, beauty and textiles at events and venues across England. The Soil Association Organic Experience will be taking place in supermarket car parks, shopping centres, county shows and events and at the Soil Association Organic Food Festival, Bristol. » more information about the Soil Association Organic Experience Taking your involvement beyond Soil Association Organic Fortnight The Soil Association is the UK's leading environmental membership charity campaigning for people and planet-friendly food and farming - from lobbying the Government on issues such as GM and additives in food, to improving school meals and creating a demonstration farm network for people to learn more about food production. If you’re interested in supporting this work and getting more involved, why not become a member of the Soil Association charity? Help us in our fight for a healthier planet - For more information on the benefits of being a member of the Soil Association visit http://www.soilassociation.org/joinus