Mums lead the organic revolution
| Published: 8th September 2007 01:47 |
The survey, commissioned by the Soil Association, indicates that ‘organic' has reached far beyond ‘yummy mummies' - with more than 8 in 10 (84%) mums believing organic food is better for their family. This is supported by other recent evidence which has revealed that even amongst the most disadvantaged families over 50% buy organic food and drink .
UK sales of ‘organic' produce have also soared over the last year according to another study making the UK organic market the third largest in the world.
Industry experts have named the phenomena: ‘the rise of the organomum.'
The poll, undertaken via parenting website Mumsnet, also showed that 9 in 10 mums believe organic food is better for the planet.
The survey is supported by the Soil Association's Organic Market Report, also launched today, which highlights a boom in sales of organic, particularly for baby and children's food:
•Organic baby food sales rose 7% to approximately £78 million, whilst over the same period sales of non-organic baby foods declined by 2%
•The organic children's finger foods sector (rice cakes, rusks, breadsticks and biscuits) increased by a massive 48% - it is so strong it now accounts for 46% of the total finger food market in the UK
•And it's not just babies that are benefiting, kid's organic yogurts sales rose by 51% in the same period
Carrie Longton, co-founder of parenting website www.mumsnet.com describes the Organomums phenomena: "The survey results show that mumsnetters are concerned about their family's health and the environment and the majority think that buying organic will be better for both."
Celebrity Mums
Having children is a common switch point for many women, who turn to organic as they begin to think more about what effect the food their children eat will have on their future well-being. Celebrity mum, Kaye Adams says she is a prime example:
"I didn't think much about organic food before I was a mum, but when you have children you want to give them the best start to life. By feeding my children organic I can be confident that they are receiving maximum nutrients and minimal nasties - in terms of pesticides and harmful food additives.
"Not only that, but because organic farming uses almost a third less energy than traditional farming, I feel happy knowing that by eating organic my family is doing something that benefits the planet."
Kaye Adams isn't the only celebrity mum to back organic food; Elle McPherson and Patsy Palmer are also ‘Organomums' who have spoken publicly about why they think it's important to feed their families organic.
Soil Association Organic Fortnight
Commenting on the results of the survey, Soil Association spokesperson Helen Taylor adds:
‘It's mums who are leading the way for Britain's organic revolution, bringing up a whole new organic generation. What they are telling us is that organic food is not just important to the future of our children, but crucially to the planet too. This really is a case of mum knows best."
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