No Chemicals, More Care: Our Commitment to Organic Flour

Why We Choose Organic Flour at Breadwinners

At Breadwinners, we don’t just transform young people’s lives through bread. We also care about the planet. That’s why all our loaves are made with organic flour – it’s one small decision that makes a big difference.

So, why do we use organic flour?

Firstly, it’s all about how it’s grown. Organic farmers don’t use synthetic fertilisers or pesticides. Production and use of those chemicals are responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than the aviation and shipping industries combined. It means that by using organic flour, we avoid a big chunk of emissions and help protect the climate.

We source our organic flour from Shipton Mill, a pioneering mill committed to sustainability and regenerative farming. Their dedication to organic agriculture ensures that the flour we use not only meets the highest standards but also aligns with our values. Their mill is a key part of our supply chain, and our story.

Agriculture takes up over 70% of land use in the UK. This land has been taken from natural habitats – 41% of UK wildlife species have already declined since 1970. Now it is up to farmers to change that. Organic farming allows farmers to create a healthy environment that supports biodiversity. Without pesticides, bees and other pollinators thrive, and fields are full of wildlife. It’s a system that works in harmony with nature. In fact, researchers have found that organic farms have on average 30% more biodiversity than conventional farms.

But there’s more to it. No chemicals mean no nasty runoff into rivers, waterways and soils. Healthier soils can retain more water – so farmers need less water for irrigation. Healthier soils also store more carbon, keeping it out of the atmosphere.

And of course, organic farming protects people too – farmers, millers, bakers, and all of us who enjoy tasty bread every day. Organic comes with a promise that there are no chemical residues in our baked goods – meaning fewer risks to our health.

But there is a drawback.

Organic farming doesn’t come without its challenges. Using fertilisers gives conventional farms the advantage of higher yields per hectare of land. In other words, the same size organic farm can produce up to 50% less wheat than a conventional farm. Even so, we believe the environmental and health benefits of organic farming make it worth the disadvantage.

Using organic flour from Shipton Mill has been part of our ethos since the start of Breadwinners. After all, it’s our mission – to transform lives, one organic loaf at a time.

Blog written by Maria - On purpose Placement working on our Environmental impact.

Maria Fletcher