The annual industry-wide Organic September campaign has launched for 2021, aligning all corners of the organic sector with one key message: Nature has the answer.

The campaign runs for the whole month, with Organic September Saturday punctuating the calendar on 4 September and Organic Beauty & Wellbeing Week being celebrated 6-11 September.

In another collaboration between the Soil Association (SA) and the Organic Trade Board (OTB) ‘powerful cross-sector messaging’ will be directed at consumers and this year the campaign will once again merge food and drink with beauty and textiles for 360 coverage of the organic industry.

‘It’s what the planet would choose’ – that’s the message from the two organizations as they raise awareness of the benefits of organic and promote the businesses which are making it their mission to ‘safeguard the planet’ through sustainable practices.

PR activity will include demonstrating to shoppers how their choices make a difference to the planet through an exhibition in London which centres around the plight of British insects at risk of extinction within the next decade. Highlighting the widespread use of pesticides, ARC 2031 will explain to the public how organic farming can help to ‘support and revive’ ten endangered insect species. The SA and the OBT hope the exhibition will offer visitors a positive outlook for the future and drive home the importance of reducing the UK’s reliance on pesticides. Wildlife presenter and conservationist Megan McCubbin will act as ambassador for ARC 2031, leading the OTB’s dedicated social media campaign.

Independent retailers will be provided with GOTS-certified organic cotton tote bags to give away to customers on Organic September Saturday. SA licensees and OTB members will have access to digital toolkits, while both organizations will run workshops and seminars addressing certification and offering social media support. Promoted listings pages will direct people towards local independent health stores and veg box schemes.

“With the organic market in its strongest position in history, everyone across the sector is encouraged to get involved and make an impact,” say the two organizations.