HIGHER levels of animal welfare, lower levels of pesticides and more environmentally sustainable management of our countryside - the benefits of growing organically are well documented.

Using no manufactured herbicides or artificial fertilisers helps wildlife to thrive.

On our plates, organic fruit, vegetables and meat is not only healthier than more conventionally grown food, but more nutritious, showing that the way we farm does affect the quality of what we eat.

This month, one of the UK’s biggest and best celebrations of all things organic takes place. Organic September is a campaign by the Soil Association - which certifies organic products - to encourage as many people to choose organic and go out and buy organic products.

“Over the years it has been shown that going organic is better for wildlife and less damaging to the environment,” says Peter Taylor, chairman of West Yorkshire Organic Group. “Organic food has health benefits, containing minerals that you will not necessarily get in other food. This type of farming does not use chemical pesticides such as neonicotinoids, over which there are safety concerns.”

These have been banned in many countries, after studies showed they caused significant harm to bees. This year the Government refused to temporarily lift the ban.

West Yorkshire Organic Group - which is affiliated to the Soil Association - recently held its 26th annual show in Saltaire, attracting hundreds of people. “It was very successful - a lot of local growers brought along their produce,” says Peter.

It is estimated that last year the Organic September campaign reached more than 21 million people and it is hoped that this year it will reach more.

To mark the campaign, the Soil Association has revealed its ‘top food swaps’ - organic products that people can eat to support the environment, animal welfare and our health.

For example, if the 24 million households that buy yoghurt swapped to organic, even just once, almost 2,000 more cows would be free to range on clover rich organic pastures. Meanwhile, organic dairy contains around 50 per cent more beneficial omega-3 essential fatty acids than non-organic. Switching to organic yoghurt would make a big difference to the lives of farm animals.

Recently published government data shows almost 80 per cent of non-organic carrot samples contained pesticides. If everyone who currently buys carrots switched to organic, an extra 17,500 football pitches worth of organic land would provide a safe haven for wildlife - there would be around 50 per cent more wildlife and 30 per cent more species of wildlife on the farms used to produce those organic carrots.

And if everyone switched to organic chicken, around 487 million trees could potentially grow. Around 803 million chickens are eaten in the UK each year and the amount of soya fed to these birds represents almost 488,000 hectares of rainforest which could be destroyed to grow their food.

Organic grower and eater Jack First spent years growing organically on allotments near Keighley for the Shipley-based Cellar Project. “I prefer to grow my own as I know exactly what I am eating. There have been many scares that have been pushed under the carpet.”

The author of the book Hot Beds - about growing early crops using an age-old technique - Jack cites the example of aminopyralid, a weedkiller that found its way into manure and subsequently farmland and gardens, damaging crops.

Demand for organic food is increasing - sales are up 5.2 per cent - and more people are looking to avoid pesticides and chemicals. People are being encouraged to ‘Organic their September’ by making small changes to their everyday shopping.

Helen Browning, Soil Association chief executive, explains: “Swapping everyday items like carrots, chicken or yoghurt for organic alternatives can make surprisingly large differences. Choosing organic means helping protect our vital wildlife and reducing your exposure to potentially harmful pesticides and chemicals.

“You’ll also be helping to support the farming families who work hard to grow our food with care for the generations to come,” says Helen.

Another swap the Soil Association is encouraging people to make is switching to a renewable energy supplier such as Organic September supporter Good Energy, whose electricity is100 per cent renewable.