A growing co-operative in the borough are celebrating the harvest of their first fully certified organic produce.

Organiclea announced yesterday that they are now recognised by The Soil Association as a certified organic grower at their Hawkwood Plant Nursery in Chingford.

The cooperative also recently announced it is helping to save the Walthamstow Yellow Cress, an endangered plant discovered in the borough thirty years ago.

Hannah Claxton, a member of the co-operative, said: “There is increasing interest in local food which is really exciting: organic certification guarantees your local food has also been produced to the highest environmental standard.”

May’s seasonal highlights from the Hawkwood nursery include salad leaves, spring garlic and asparagus.

Organiclea supply local restaurants and cafes in the borough including Table 7 and Butler’s Retreat in Chingford and Hornbeam Cafe and Lot 107 in Walthamstow.

Marlene Barrett, a member of the coordinating committee for the Hornbeam Cafe, said: “The idea behind the cafe is to show people you can eat healthily and it can taste good.

“Organiclea’s announcement shows that they’re taking this seriously – food can be good for you and good for the environment.”

The process of becoming certified takes a minimum of two years from the time of application for the land to be fully approved as organic.

Over 30 volunteers a week are involved in growing and learning about production of organic vegetables and fruit, which are distributed by bicycle and electric milkfloat to market stalls, restaurants and cafes no more than 15 miles away.

Their monthly open day takes place this Sunday at 115 Hawkwood Crescent, Chingford, E4 7UH.