| Organic FoodOrganic crops, fruit and vegetables are produced without the use of unnecessary artificial pesticides or weed-killers benefiting your health and the environment. Animal welfare is paramount on organic farms where animals are free range and the routine use of antibiotics and vaccines is not permitted. Even organic processed food is different- hydrogenated fats and artificial flavourings and sweetners are banned along with other food additives that may be harmful to your health. In addition, organic standards prohibit the use of genetically modified (GMO)ingredients in food as well as animal feed. For local organic food suppliers see here. For local Farmer's Markets see here. UK Organic Certification 'Organic' is a term defined by EU law. This means that anyone who is using the term on a food product needs to hold a licence with an approved certification body. The EU has set basic standards for organic production and it is up to the individual member states to translate this into their own law. Any organic product sold in the UK must by law display a certification symbol or number. When you see an organic symbol, you can be sure that the product complies with minimum government standards. These standards are set by the UK government and meet European and international standards. Each certification body has its own symbol and EU code number. Where possible, we have listed the certification number at the end of each of the entries in this directory. Below is a list that explains which certification body each of these numbers applies to. More information may be found on their websites.
BOG Borders Organic Gardeners  BOG was formed in 1989 in the Galashiels area. From small beginnings BOG has now over 420 members from the Scottish Borders and neighbouring north Northumberland – reputedly the largest Organic Gardening group in the UK. BOG is a Scottish Charity (registered in 1997) whose aims are “to advance the education of the general public in the principle of organic growing and gardening by promoting the use and development of organic gardening methods”. BOG is run entirely by volunteers. BOG has established a calendar of events during the year which includes Seed Potato Day ay the Border Union Show Ground, Kelso - a major event in the Borders calendar - and Apple Day at Harestanes Visitor Centre, near Jedburgh. BOG produces a newsletter 3 times per year which is circulated free to all members. It contains articles on the BOG programme of events, general organic gardening advice and other topical articles. BOG has been involved in many projects and in recent years the group have attended Farmers Markets and the Green Festival in Berwick promoting composting. In 2003, BOG raised funds to create a demonstration garden within a walled garden at Woodside, near Jedburgh. The garden is a great place to learn and see organic gardening in action. The garden is now run by the ASK Organic Garden Club but BOG still has an input into its work and helps fund improvements. The garden also houses our Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) trails. The pernicious weed is common in most gardens but very difficult to control. BOG have been conducting a 5-year experiment on various control and eradication methods – the trails are due to be completed in 2008. A new project is being developed in Berwick with Surestart to encourage young parents and children to grow their own vegetables. BOG members are very diverse in age, professions and their types of garden, but the common thread is a group of like-minded individuals who really care about “what they are doing on their own patch” and the wider impact on the environment. The wealth of knowledge through the group is enormous and the willingness of members to share their experience is inspiring. This is BOG’s great strength. A day at a BOG workshop learning how to prune or create a pond or work with willow is a very enjoyable experience. A lot of energy, time (and fun!) goes into organising the annual programme and the main events and it is a great way to meet like minded folks, so if you would like to become more involved, use the contact page to get in touch with the Secretary who will soon find you a job! Borders Organic Gardeners is a Scottish Charity no. SC026903. Contact: Maggie Warner
Membership Secretary
Borders Organic Gardeners
Bowhill North Lodge
SELKIRK
TD7 5LZ
Scottish Charity Number-SC 034122.
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