Celebrating Organic September: A Tradition Rooted in Nature and Innovation

At Goodwood, we believe that how we care for the land today shapes the health of our planet tomorrow. This September, we are proudly joining the national celebration of Organic September, a campaign led by the Soil Association, to highlight the benefits of organic living and to encourage people to make small but impactful changes to the environment and their health.

What is Organic September?

Organic September is an annual campaign designed to educate and inspire people about the environmental and health benefits of organic farming. Organic methods avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, promote biodiversity and put nature first. Organic farming is underpinned by four internationally recognised principles that guide every decision: health, ecology, fairness and care. At Goodwood, these values aren't just theoretical, they’re part of our everyday practice.

A Legacy of Leadership in Organic Farming

Our relationship with organic farming is long-standing and deeply rooted in our values. One of the earliest champions in the organic movement was Susan, the 10^th Dutchess of Richmond, an early member of the Soil Association. It was her passion that led to the adoption of organic practices across the estate in the 1970s, leading to Goodwood Home Farm becoming officially organic in the 1990s.  We are regularly inspected and approved by the Soil Association, ensuring we meet the highest standards in organic production.

Becoming Organic the Goodwood Way

We are committed to the idea that organic is more than just a label, it’s a philosophy, a responsibility and a promise we embed into our everyday practices. Our commitment to sustainability is rooted in every corner of the estate, from the soil beneath our feet, the care of our crops, trees and animals, to the food on your plate. Goodwood Home Farm provides organic food for the entire estate, from Goodwood Farm Shop to every restaurant including Farmer, Butcher, Chef, proudly serving seasonal organic produce and celebrating the beef, pork and lamb reared on the land here. This is our Farm to Fork philosophy in the truest sense – you’ll never travel further than your food and every ingredient is the culmination of a journey that starts with the health of our soil.

The Benefits of Eating an Organic Diet for our Gut Health

Eating organic food doesn’t just benefit the soil, the crops and the animals; it is also incredibly beneficial for our gut health. With the removal of harmful pesticides and fungicides, the food we eat directly benefits our gut microbiome which has huge ramifications for our entire health and wellbeing, both mental and physical. At Goodwood, we are passionate about truy holistic Health & Wellbeing and offer a range of retreats designed to support gut health, longevity and a positive relationship with food. Set within 11,000 acres of natural beauty, our expert-led gut health programmes and curated menus, which use organic produce from the estate, help you reconnect with yourself and the rhythms of nature. Whether you’re seeking balance, restoration, or a complete health reset, there’s no other wellness space within the UK that offers practical and pragmatic health transformation from the ground up. Find out more about our Wellness Retreats here.

DJ spinning the dial on the importance of regenerative farming practices

When not on the decks, Andy Cato from Groove Armada swaps his headphones for wellies on his own regenerative farm. As co-founder of Wildfarmed, Andy is dedicated to transforming landscapes and fixing the food system by growing crops in a way that restores soil health and increases biodiversity. Ahead of Groove Armada's headline set at this year's Three Friday Nights, Andy joined Harry Holt, Goodwood’s Home Farm Manager, and his father, to exchange ideas on organic farming and the importance of protecting our soil health for the health of all. Harry explains the principles behind growing organic crops, emphasising the importance of “feeding the soil” to nurture healthy plants and animals alike. Andy shares how embracing organic farming has profoundly "changed everything" and transformed his lifestyle and health. This insightful conversation sheds light on how sustainable practices can change everything, from the ground beneath our feet to the food on our plates.

The Goodwood Health Summit discusses soil health through the lens of public health

Building on the momentum of Organic September, this year’s Goodwood Health Summit, presented by Randox Health, taking place on Thursday 2 October, will explore the powerful connection between the soil microbiome and the human microbiome. Experts will examine how the health of our soil influences the complex ecosystems within our bodies, shaping nutrition, immunity, and overall wellbeing. As facilitators, we will bring together leading voices from government, healthcare, holistic practices, campaigners, policy, business leadership, agriculture, and food & beverage to drive meaningful change. Hosted by Dr Chris van Tulleken, the Summit features a panel of world-leading specialists:

• Mr James Kinross – Reader in Surgery and Head of Colorectal Surgery at Imperial College London, microbiome researcher
• Dan Kittredge – Founder of the Bionutrient Food Association and advocate for nutrient-dense regenerative agriculture
• Dr Federica Amati – Public Health Nutritionist and Head Nutritionist at ZOE
• Patrick Holden MBE – Founder of the Sustainable Food Trust

Their sessions will show how organic and regenerative farming practices not only nurture the earth but also support vibrant human health, reinforcing Goodwood’s commitment to a truly holistic approach to sustainability and wellness.

 To be part of the online audience for £10 book here.

Innovating for the Future

At Goodwood Home Farm, we view organic and regenerative farming as complementary approaches. Organic farming sets the foundation, prioritising natural processes, animal welfare, and the integrity of soil and food. Regenerative practices build on this foundation, actively restoring and improving the land by enhancing soil health, boosting biodiversity, and creating resilient ecosystems that also help capture carbon.

Even with decades of organic farming behind us, we continue to innovate, trialling new methods to increase soil fertility and productivity without compromising our principles. Through partnerships with organisations like Re-Genus, we are working to restore ancient soil ecosystems using fungi-enriched fertilisers and other regenerative techniques, helping to ensure the land thrives for generations to come.

You can read more about the work Re-Genus are doing with us here at Goodwood to restore ancient soil ecosystems using fungi-enriched fertilisers and regenerative techniques.

Celebrate Organic September with Goodwood

This Organic September, we invite you to take part, whether it’s trying something new in your kitchen, exploring our farm, or simply learning more about the power of nature-first farming. Together, let’s grow a healthier future.