Every September, organic agriculture communities around the world join together for “Organic September” to remind us to reconsider the food choices on our tables and to reflect on the connection between what we eat and the land, the environment, and our health.

Origins and Core Spirit of Organic September
“Organic September” began as an initiative of the Soil Association in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1946, the Association introduced “Organic September” as its annual campaign theme in the 2010s, connecting supermarkets, restaurants, farms, and social media to promote choosing organic as a way to respond to climate change and safeguard biodiversity and healthy food systems. The campaign is the reminder: our daily consumption choices can become meaningful actions that support sustainable agriculture and a more harmonious relationship with the land.

A Shared International Vision: A Sustainable Path from Farm to Table
This year, the UK, the United States, and the European Union each started diverse themes and initiatives regarding soil health, label identification, and value-chain innovation, demonstrating how the global organic movement is responding to climate changes and food-system challenges in multiple ways.

United Kingdom — Healthy Soil, Healthy Food
The Soil Association’s theme for this year’s Organic September is “Healthy Soil, Healthy Food,” centering on the message “nourish your gut garden.” The campaign emphasizes how organic farming protects soil health, and further supports the wellbeing of humans and ecosystems. It reminds consumers that to protect soil is to protect our future.

United States — “Seal Makes It Simple”
In the United States, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) launches the national campaign “Seal Makes It Simple” for Organic Month. The campaign focuses on promoting the value of the USDA Organic Seal, helping consumers quickly identify organic products amid complex market labels. It highlights that the seal represents far more than “no pesticides”—it ensures comprehensive standards covering environmental protection, animal welfare, and non-GMO requirements.

European Union — EU Organic Awards 2025
The European Union held the EU Organic Awards 2025 on EU Organic Day, September 23. The awards recognize innovation and practices across the entire organic value chain, spanning farmers, cities, producers, and food service industry. The 2025 edition places particular emphasis on affordability and accessibility, encouraging initiatives that make organic products a more attainable and everyday choice for the public.
The UK’s focus on soil health, the U.S. emphasis on label recognition, and the EU’s value-chain innovation all remind us to continue to expand the influence of “organic” across policy, industry, and daily life.

How Can We Participate in Taiwan?
“Organic and sustainable living” is not only the responsibility of farmers; it concerns consumers, citizens, and even family education. Although Taiwan has not yet joined “Organic September” as a nationwide campaign, this does not prevent us from supporting organic agriculture or caring about our agriculture system.

　　●Support organic and eco-friendly markets：
Examples include Tse-Xin Foundation’s “Footprints in the Field Farmers Market”, Farmers Market at NCHU in Taichung, Hope Market, Tri-small Market in Yunlin, and Water Garden Organic Farmers' Market in Taipei. These markets allow consumers to interact with farmers directly, purchase seasonal organic food, and deepen their understanding of sustainable agriculture. You may also refer to the list compiled earlier this year by Agricultural Technology Research Institute to find an organic market near you.

　　●Join Food and Agriculture Education Activities：
Food and agriculture education helps us reconnect with what we eat! On September 27–28, the First National Food and Agriculture Education Convention “Taste of Taiwan: Home Flavors” was held at National Taiwan University Sports Center. With the theme “Food from Home — Savoring Food and Farming,” the event showcased the rich and diverse energy of food and agriculture education across Taiwan.

　　●Support Local Seed Preservation and Culture：
Tse-Xin Foundation has long supported seed preservation among the Bunun community in Nanan, as well as millet revitalization efforts in the Hualien–Taitung region, protecting both food diversity and Indigenous wisdom. These efforts show that “organic” is more than a consumer choice; it is also a way of safeguarding culture and ecology. Starting September 27, Tse-Xin team collaborated with Leezen Honest Food Market (Farglory U-Town Store) to present “Millet Mania,” an exhibition of traditional Indigenous crops that invites visitors to learn about the precious agricultural heritage of eastern Taiwan.

Tse-Xin Foundation has long supported seed preservation among the Bunun community in Nanan, as well as millet revitalization efforts in the Hualien–Taitung region, protecting both food diversity and Indigenous wisdom. These efforts show that “organic” is more than a consumer choice; it is also a way of safeguarding culture and ecology. Starting September 27, Tse-Xin team collaborated with Leezen Honest Food Market (Farglory U-Town Store) to present “Millet Mania,” an exhibition of traditional Indigenous crops that invites visitors to learn about the precious agricultural heritage of eastern Taiwan.

After September, What Can We Do?
While the global organic community uses September as a focal point to expand its influence, each of us in Taiwan can continue to respond in our daily lives. Change is never just a slogan or a month—it is the choices we make every day.
Whether it is choosing organic products, visiting local markets, supporting eco-friendly farmers, or learning the story behind a single seed, each action becomes part of an ongoing movement. As more people bring organic choices into daily lives, the spirit of Organic September can transcend the time and truly take root in our lives and in the land.