There is little doubt that organic fruit and vegetables are healthier and taste much better. Let’s face it, if everyone could afford it, everyone would eat it. Nobody likes the thought of eating pesticides; the only thing that stands in the way is cost. If you eat your five-a-day, the cost of buying all organic in your supermarket may well be out of your budget. The good news is that there are ways to save on organic on organic fresh produce.

- Look for your local suppliers: One of the most satisfying things to do is to buy organic food locally. That way you get the freshest ingredients for your kitchen and also support local businesses. And with no transportation costs for the supplier you should get very competitive prices.

- Make use of Farmer’s markets: Not everyone has access to farmer’s markets, but they can be worth travelling to. Organic fruit and vegetables are just some of the wide variety of local produce available. You will also be able to buy organic meat and dairy produce, often all at very competitive prices. As the produce will have been produced locally, you will again be supporting local businesses as well as reducing transportation costs and the resulting environmental pollution.

- Have an organic box delivered: If you are unable to get out of your house or are too busy working for a weekly fruit and vegetable shop, think about subscribing to an organic fruit and vegetable box scheme. For a weekly cost of around £8-15, you will receive a delivery of fresh organic seasonal fruits and vegetables. These are usually sourced from local suppliers, too.

- Visit local farm shops: Take a tour of your local farm shops to see if they stock any organic produce. They may grow the produce themselves or sell it on behalf of other local farms. Consider buying your poultry and meat from local organic farmers. Supermarket meat, especially poultry, is often raised in squalid conditions.

- Grow your own: The cheapest method of getting hold of organic fruits and vegetables has got to be growing your own. Using organic grow bags or containers filled with organic compost, you don’t even need to have a vegetable patch or large garden. The best combination is to have organic soil together with organically produced seeds or plants, that way you ensure you get the full flavour and benefit. If you don’t have a greenhouse or the patience to nurture seeds in the dead of winter, buy a selection of young plants every spring for your summer vegetables. Things like lettuce, cabbage and root vegetables are easily grown from seed. Fruiting trees only need to be planted once and fed with organic compost for you to enjoy years of free organic fruits.

Picture caption: By shopping at farmers markets, you will be saving money, supporting local businesses as well as reducing transportation costs and the resulting environmental pollution.