Spotlight on organic food

Jul 18 2008 by Karen Wilson, The Journal

HEALTH is one of the biggest single concerns for people living in the UK. Research shows that organic food can be more nutritious for you and your family – it does not contain any additives, E numbers, pesticides, drugs or flavourings. What it does contain is more of the good stuff we need – like vitamins and minerals.

Researchers at the University of Newcastle have found that organic carrots, apples and potatoes can have higher concentrations of vitamin C and other beneficial antioxidants.

Organic certification body The Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G) answers some commonly asked questions about organic food:

Q. Is organic food really more healthy?

A. Some studies say “yes”, others say “not necessarily”. So far there is little conclusive scientific evidence. One good example is that research has shown that organic milk contains almost two-thirds more omega 3 fatty acids, which are good for unborn children and may combat heart disease and the effects of arthritis.

Q. Does organic food actually taste better?

A. Anecdotally, most people will say a resounding “yes”. It’s a point that is hard for scientists to prove, though.

Q. Does organic production benefit farmers?

A. Yes – in many ways. Lots of farmers say they feel empowered by organic systems, which make them use their brains (not chemicals) to solve problems. Because there are only very limited pesticides allowed in organics, farm workers should be at less risk from exposure to chemicals. Growing organic produce can also open up new markets for farmers.

Q. Why is organic farming better for animals?

A. The welfare of animals is one of the key principles of organic farming and their well-being is written into the regulations organic producers must follow. Animals are held at lower stocking densities than non-organic and must have access to the outdoors (weather permitting) and an appropriate diet at all times. While organic systems aim to avoid using antibiotics in animals, they are allowed (in fact, required) if the health or welfare of the animal is at risk or they are the only way to restore its full health.

Q. Are “organic” animals “free range”?

A. Yes, but with even more benefits. All animals raised organically are automatically free-range because the rules demand it.

Q. Why is organic farming better for the countryside?

A. Organic farming uses less intensive methods to produce food and encourages diversity of wildlife.

Q. Why does organic food cost more?

A. The shelf or farm gate price of organic food is higher for a number of very good reasons. It costs more to produce because it is more labour intensive, crops are grown less often in the same piece of ground and animals are held at lower stocking densities, for their well-being. The careful controls placed on organic production add to the costs of production and organic source materials, such as seeds cost more than non-organic versions.

Q. Can anyone just claim to be an organic producer?

A. Definitely not. Organic is the only system of farming in the UK which must meet legal requirements to use the name. Anyone calling their product organic must be inspected and certified by a body such as Organic Farmers & Growers. For more information visit www.organicfarmers.org.uk