How can I shop for an organic veg box online

A.� There are several companies offering green veg boxes online in the UK. Try Farm-A-Round Ltd (greater London only) at www.farmaround.co.uk, Organics Direct at www.organicsdirect.co.uk, Simply Organic at www.simplyorganic.net, Organic Connections at www.organic-connections.net, The Fresh Food Company at www.freshfood.co.uk, or Graig Farm at www.graigfarm.co.uk

�

�

Q.� How do I find a company in my area

A.� Visit www.soilassociation.org for a list of box schemes, or check out The Organic Directory by Clive Litchfield (Green Books, �7.95). The Soil Association/YOU magazine Organic Food Award winners of the box scheme category 2001 were announced at the end of last year. The results were: Joint Winners: Linscombe Farm, Sandford, Crediton, Devon (01363 84291), Merricks Organic Farm, Park Lane, Langport, Somerset (01458 252901).

Highly Commended: Cusgarne organics, near Truo, Cornwall (01872 865922), Warborne Farm, Lymington, Hampshire (01590 688488)

Commended: Guernsey organic Growers, St Martin's, Guernsey (01481) 237547.

There are now over 300 organic vegetable box schemes around Britain, contributing around �30 million every year to the rural economy.

�

Q.� How much do the boxes cost and what should you look for

A.�Prices range from �5 to �20 for singles to family-sized boxes. Before you start, make sure the scheme is certified organic by the Soil Association or one of the other bodies registered with UKROFS (United Kingdom's Register of Organic Food Standards). The emphasis is on fresh, seasonal vegetables so the contents will vary according to season and availability. A 'summer box' would typically contain tomatoes, broccoli, peppers and courgettes, a 'winter box' would include pumpkins, turnips, celeriac, and staples such as potatoes, onions and carrots. Most growers buy in popular vegetables that they don't grow themselves, either from a certified organic grower or from a certified co-operative. Some may even be imported, especially in the spring when it's difficult to grow sufficient quantity and variety.

The Soil Association says the schemes is really a way of embracing a new way of grocery shopping, more organic and more interesting and more personal.

�

For more food and drink questions and answers, click here

�

by Katharine MacColl