CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. It advocates positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, it has 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Bill Bryson. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. www.cpre.org.uk

Co-operativesUK is the trade association for all types of co-operative enterprise throughout the UK. It believes that co-operatives and the wider social enterprise sector make a substantial contribution to the UK economy, and provide effective sustainable solutions to many of the social and economic challenges of modern society. www.cooperatives-uk.coop

Country Markets Ltd is a co-operative social enterprise that organises and promotes individual Country Markets throughout England, Wales and the Channel Islands. Members of the co- operative sell their high quality, genuinely home-produced baked goods, honey, eggs, fruit, vegetable, plants and crafts at over 400 weekly Country Markets, Farmers' Markets and other outlets throughout the country. Country Markets Ltd is a proud supporter and sponsor of British Food Fortnight www.country-markets.co.uk

The National Farmers' Retail & Markets Association (FARMA) is a co-operative of farmers, local food producers and farmers' market organisers who sell direct to the public. FARMA member farmers' markets are independently inspected and certified to ensure that they are "the real thing". FARMA works across the UK and internationally to develop the direct sales sector through proactive networking and supporting members through change. www.farma.org.uk

Food Links UK is a network of organisations active in supporting the local food sector and working towards fairer, healthier more sustainable local food systems. www.foodlinks-uk.org

Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity. Sustain represents around 100 national public interest organisations working at international, national, regional and local level. www.sustainweb.org

The Soil Association is the UK's leading environmental charity promoting sustainable, organic farming and championing human health. Visit www.soilassociation.org for more information.

Eating organic has clear benefits for both people and the planet:

People, because research shows organic food contains higher levels of Omega-3, Vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium as well as cancer fighting antioxidants that benefit your body.

Planet, because organic farming typically uses 30% less energy, supports more wildlife and wild plants than non-organic farming and causes less pollution by avoiding the use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers. It also produces fewer greenhouse gases and less dangerous waste.

ViRSA (Village Retail Services Association) supports rural communities wanting to set up and run a community owned shop. Community ownership is often the only viable option for villages wishing to retain or introduce a local shop. ViRSA provides practical assistance through a network of regional advisers, online guidance through the website www.virsa.org and through a national hub of knowledge and expertise based in rural Oxfordshire.