What is Organic Centre Wales (OCW)? OCW is the national resource for consumers, farmers and policy makers committed to more sustainable food and farming in Wales. Set up in 2000, it delivers projects to support the organic sector for the Welsh Government.[link:about::About the Centre

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For consumers  |  What is organic food  |  Buying organic food  |  Organic tourism  |  Consumer events

The wider context

Is organic farming good for the environment?

• Studies have shown that, on average, established organic farms support higher numbers and a richer variety of birds, wild plants, insects and other wildlife, than non-organic farms
• Organic farmers are encouraged by the Standards to maintain hedges, trees and field margins to protect wildlife
• Energy use, particularly associated with the manufacture of fertiliser and pesticides, tends to be significantly lower on organic farms
• For a summary of the environmental benefits of organic farming compiled by DEFRA, click here

What is the future of organic farming in Wales?

• The Welsh Assembly Government developed an organic action plan in 1999, ahead of England and Scotland, and continues to support organic farmers;
• the Welsh Assembly Government is encouraging greater provision of Welsh-produced food, including organic food, in schools, hospitals and other public institutions;
• bigger food companies are increasingly investing in new organic products, often supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and Farming Connect;
• OCW works with the Welsh Assembly Government to promote organic farming.

How can I find out more?

• Find out more about organic food and farming from one of the many organisations which support it. Some are listed below.
• Ask for organic food if you can't find it in a shop or restaurant.
• Visit farmers' markets and buy direct from the organic producers.
• Grow your own organic food and start a compost heap. It's the best way to ensure that your produce is free from pesticides.
• Find out if there is an organic farm near you which welcomes visits from the general public: see the Soil Association's list of demonstration farms in Wales.
• Have an organic holiday in Wales: see our new tourism website
• Ring the for more information 01970 622100.

More information

Garden Organic
Why Organic website
Farmers Markets in Wales
Food Standards Agency Wales
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth