do we mean by the term "organic"?

This relates to the WAY in which foodstuffs and fresh produce are grown. The soil, seed stock and environment must be free from contaminants. Plants must be grown naturally without artificial fertilisers, pesticides or any synthetic enhancements. Production methods must be conscious of their environmental impact and aim to limit or eliminate negative effects on the environment. Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)-Free status is essential to certified organic production.

For animal products to be organic, the whole lifecycle must be free from hormonal interference, genetic modification and the animal feed must be organic. Animals must have access to free-range pasture and be treated with respect. 

For clothing or textiles to be organic, they must be manufactured from natural, organic raw materials and the finishing process must conform to organic standards.

For prepared food (such as meals found in restaurants) to be organic, the majority of ingredients must be organic and the preparation and cleaning procedures must also conform to organic standards.

  
       choose natural and organic products?

Organically and naturally grown foods, beauty products and clothing made from natural fibres have proven health benefits. Lifestyle-related ailments, allergies and chronic illnesses improve with a more natural, contaminant and additive-free way of life.

The continued well-being of our planet and its ecosystem increasingly depends on more natural farming, production and utilisation strategies. Even though South Africa is a developing country, we do not lag behind these global trends and as a Market that subscribes to these principles, we do our best to promote such practices.

  
        legislation is in place?

In South Africa, there are a number of organisations and associations operating within the organic movement and certifying according to different regulations and standards. Certification of organic produce is already in operation, and a set of draft standards for South African legislation have been tabled. If passed, the name “organic” will be a legal description of certified organic produce only. To achieve certified organic status is a process, and not all producers of “organically” grown and naturally produced goods are certified as yet.

  
        do WE stand?

It has always been a Market policy to have pure and natural goods on sale. It is a work in progress however and we continually strive to bring the best quality, organic products to our customers. Many of our stallholders, who have been practising natural farming and production methods for many years, are not certified organic. Other stallholders and suppliers are certified organic, or a percentage of their goods are certified. Our food vendors offer natural and wholesome meals with a number of them including organic ingredients in all meals or products. All stalls display colour-coded tiles to indicate their category and levels of certification and an explanation legend is found at our cashier points.

Our stallholders have written their own histories; how they came to be involved in the organic movement; what are their products and what is their natural and organic status? We believe that by supplying this information we are empowering our customers to make their own choices as to the products they wish to support.

For many years we have been leaders in this ‘natural way’ and we reaffirm our commitment to this process. Planet and people friendly practices are inclusive, transparent and supportive to anyone who is committed to this path, even if they have only taken the first steps. If you would like to know more about any product on the market, ask the stallholder or enquire at our office.

Ask questions, make informed choices and be part of the movement to a better life on our blue planet.