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Organic September – The Benefits of Eating and Growing Food Organically

Posted on 23 September 2026 by Andrea

What does organic mean?

We see the word organic thrown around quite a lot in advertising and marketing, but what does it really mean? Put simply, organic food is produced to certain standards that encourage more natural ways of growing and producing food, while restricting the use of many synthetic chemicals and fertilisers. This also applies in animal products, with organic farming having strict rules around how animals are kept and how medicines such as antibiotics are used.

Unlike the word natural, which can be used quite loosely in advertising, organic is a legally regulated term. So, when you see that little organic label, it holds real meaning. Organic food and farming can have some seriously positive impacts on both people and the planet. So, for Organic September, I wanted to look at some of the biggest benefits for us and the planet.

Big perks for people!

Good food starts with healthy soil: Research suggests that certain organic foods can contain higher levels of nutrients and antioxidants than conventionally produced alternatives. Organic farming also puts a big focus on looking after the soil through things like natural fertilisers and crop rotations, helping to create healthy and sustainable conditions for crops to grow.
Less exposure to pesticides: Organic farming restricts the use of many synthetic pesticides and herbicides. Choosing organic food can help reduce our exposure and consumption of pesticide residues. For people who are trying to make more conscious choices about what they eat and where their food comes from, this can be an important factor to think about.
Supporting farmers and local communities: When you buy organic, you are supporting farmers who have chosen to follow organic standards and use more environmentally friendly approaches. And when you can buy organic food locally, its even better as It can help support local businesses, keep money within our communities and bring us a little closer to knowing exactly where our food is coming from, support the farm to table ethos.

Big perks for the planet!

Looking after our soil: Healthy soil is one of the most important parts of growing food. Organic practices like crop rotation, composting and natural pest management can help maintain soil fertility, improve its structure and reduce erosion. Looking after the soil means we can continue to grow food on it for generations to come without loosing all the minerals and nutrients out of it too quickly.
Protecting our water: Organic farming restricts the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, which can help reduce the risk of these substances running off fields and entering rivers and other bodies of water, This is important because excess nutrients entering our water can add to eutrophication, this is a process where too many nutrients cause excessive algae growth, which can harm aquatic life and the wider ecosystem and is also dangerous to drink.
More room for wildlife: Organic farms can create very important habitats for plants, insects and birds. Research has found that organic farming can support higher levels of biodiversity than conventional farming in many situations. More biodiversity means healthier and more resilient ecosystems, which is especially important as we face the climate emergency.

What is happening in Scotland?

So, what is being done here in Scotland to encourage more organic farming?

More land going organic: Scotland is working to increase the amount of land being managed organically, with government support helping more farmers and crofters make the switch.
Helping farmers make the change: Financial support and advice are available through agricultural support schemes to help farmers adopt organic and other sustainable farming practices. Making changes to how a farm operates can be a big investment, so this support can make a real difference.
Growing and expanding the organic market: Scotland has introduced the Scottish Organic Action Plan 2026–2029, which aims to increase organic production, strengthen the market for Scottish organic food and create a more profitable and sustainable future for organic farming across Scotland.

Rachel Donachie,

Greener Kirkcaldy Media Volunteer