"The connection which exists between a fertile soil and healthy crops, healthy animals and healthy human beings must be made known far and wide."
Sir Albert Howard, An Agricultural Testament, 1940
The Soil Association has always maintained that health cannot be defined as simply the absence of disease but rather a profound state of well-being and vitality. While considerable improvements have occurred in disease treatment, serious concerns about our overall health persist. We only have to look at the soaring rates of allergies, infertility, and many diseases including cancer.
Is organic food better for you? Get the facts:
» more minerals and more vitamin C - research comparing the nutrient contents of organic and non-organic fruit and vegetables reveals a strong trend toward higher levels in organic produce. Of 27 valid comparisons of the mineral and vitamin C contents of organic and non-organic crops, 14 showed significantly higher levels in organic produce while just one favoured non-organic.
» Latest research
» more protective antioxidants - plants contain some 5,000–10,000 naturally occurring compounds (known as phytonutrients) that are often involved in protecting the plant from pests and diseases. Because organic crops are not artificially protected with pesticides they tend to produce more naturally occurring phytonutrients, many of which are now known to have protective (antioxidant) properties. Some are proving useful in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
» Latest research
» fewer pesticide residues - these are rarely found on organic food. In contrast, pesticides are found on one in three non-organic foods tested each year, and multiple residues of up to seven different compounds are not uncommon. Pesticide safety is tested for individual compounds, but we know very little about the 'cocktail effect' of multiple residues. Some research suggests that they may be hundreds of times more toxic than the same compounds individually.
» More on pesticides
» fewer food additives - while food manufacturers can use more than 500 additives, organic food processors are prohibited from using a host of ingredients that researchers say may be harmful to our health such as aspartame, hydrogenated fat, phosphoric acid, sulphur dioxide, monosodium glutamate, or artificial flavourings and colourings.
» More on additives
» GM free - there is insufficient evidence to prove that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are safe, and some animal feeding trials have revealed unexpected toxicities.
» More on GM
» BSE free - applying common sense and the precautionary principle, organic farming banned the feeding of animal protein to farm animals well before the BSE crisis hit UK agriculture. The Soil Association has found no recorded cases of BSE in any animal born and reared organically.
» cuts antibiotic use - antibiotics are used extensively in non-organic farming to promote growth and to prevent disease in intensively reared, overcrowded farm animals. High standards of animal welfare in organic farming minimise the need for antibiotics and other veterinary drugs which are used only when strictly necessary.
» More on antibiotics
» minimise food poisoning risks - a government survey gave organic food a clean bill of health and confirmed expectations that organic methods, such as the careful composting of manure, minimise pathogenic risks such as E.coli o157. In addition, a review of publications found that 'organic foods tend to be less contaminated' with mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are toxic fungi which can affect stored grain, nuts and dried fruit.
Action! Vote with your fork - Buy organically produced food wherever possible. This sends a clear message to retailers and the government about your preference for organic food.
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