Research has always been a core part of the Soil Association's work in promoting organic systems. For 30 years the Soil Association was primarily involved in organic research on a working farm in Suffolk. This work compared intensive, traditional and mixed farming systems, and led to a clearer understanding of how the best of old and new traditions in land husbandry could be combined. Today the Soil Association continues to make important and highly influential contributions to a growing body of organic research – ranging from farming techniques to market assessments and nutritional studies: An inconvenient truth about food, 2008 A report on Britain's food security Georgie Porgie Pudding and Pie, 2008 This is the first detailed investigation into the state of food fed to young children attending nurseries in England and Wales. Organic Market Report, 2007 The Soil Association's definitive annual report on the state of the global, European and UK organic market confirms consumer and business confidence in the sector. Organic Market Report, 2006 The Soil Association's definitive annual report on the state of the global, European and UK organic market confirms consumer and business confidence in the sector. Setting the Standard, 2006 How the food for life project set the standard for school meals and food education. Organic Works, 2006 The first ever report looking at employment on organic farms, and how organic farming is providing more jobs through organic farming and local food supply. Organic Market Report, 2005 The most authoritative and comprehensive review of the organic sector. The report includes figures on land conversion, market sectors and growth, along with consumer reaction to organic food. Double Dividend, 2005 This report promotes good nutrition and sustainable consumption through healthy school meals. Organic Food and Farming Report, 2004 The most authoritative and comprehensive review of the organic sector. The report includes figures on land conversion, market sectors and growth, along with consumer reaction to organic food. Too Hard to Crack - eggs with drug residues, 2004 This report highlights to problem of dangerous drug residues found in millions of eggs. Too Hard to Crack is the fourth in the 'use and misuse of antibiotics' series. Batteries not Included - organic farming and animal health, 2003 Batteries not included looks at the major animal welfare benefits provided by organic farms, and the opportunities to further improve welfare for organic farm animals. Food for Life, 2003 The Food For Life project aims to get better food into schools. Our 116 page report reveals the alarming state of primary school meals in the UK and examines why things have got so bad. As well as case studies of schools pioneering healthy mealtimes, the report details actions that schools, caterers, government and parents can take to get healthy, local and organic food into schools. Seeds of doubt: North American farmers' experiences of GM crops, 2002 This Soil Association report is the first to reveal the serious widespread impacts of GM crops in North America on the food and farming industry, where three-quarters of the world’s GM food is grown. It is the most comprehensive review of the situation to be produced from a non-biotechnology industry perspective. Local Food Routes, 2001 Summarises the work of Food futures partnerships which have worked together on developing sustainable local food economies across the UK. To get a copy of the report, contact our Local Food Links team. A Share in the Harvest, 2001 This report focuses on how community supported agriculture (CSA) could help farmers and their customers develop a relationship based on mutual support and trust. Organic Farming, Food Quality and Human Health, 2001 This comprehensive review of existing research reveals significant differences between organically and non-organically produced food. Organic Food and Farming: Myth and Reality, 2001 Produced as a resource for journalists, decision-makers, commentators and campaigners this report takes up the challenge of answering critics of the organic movement with factual, robust and well referenced information. Biodiversity Benefits of Organic Farming, 2000 This report presents and reviews the findings of nine studies on the biodiversity supported by organic farming in the lowlands, compared to non-organic farming systems. From the individual findings, general conclusions are drawn. Too Hard to Swallow, the Truth About Drugs and Poultry, 2001 Uncovering how government regulators have seriously misled the public about the high incidence of dangerous drug residues found in chicken and eggs. The Use and Misuse of Antibiotics in UK Agriculture. Part 2: Resistance and Human Health, 1999 Examining the extent to which the use of antibiotics in agriculture contributes to the development of resistant strains of bacteria which may compromise human health. The Use and Misuse of Antibiotics in UK Agriculture. Part 1: Current Usage, 1998 The first in a series of reports supporting the Soil Association's continuing campaign against the excessive use of antibiotics in agriculture. Part one deals with the practices in current usage. Examining the data, issues and usage according to livestock class. Local Food for Local People - A Guide to Local Food Links, 1998 This 47-page guide shows how local food schemes link together to build sustainable local food economies and introduces the many types of scheme, how you can set one up and who to contact to find out more. Essential reading for anyone interested in box schemes, subscription farming, farmers' markets, community owned farms, community gardens and orchards.

Where to look... » Many publications can be purchased through our online shop. Listed under Soil Association publications. » some reports are available online in our library » policy papers » links to research information on other websites