August 2009 Archives
‘The Heat is On!’ by Chris Wooldridge of
Organic crops are the best
For some years the Food Standards Authority has appeared to undervalue the organic food movement so I was not entirely surprised by its irritating claim that organic food had no nutritional benefits over conventionally produced food. Contrary to their report, previous organic food studies have found evidence of increased levels of proteins, beta-carotenes, trace elements, beneficial omega oils and vitamins. Among other omissions, the FSA report also failed to include the results of a major European Union-funded study which ended in April this year and concluded that: 'Levels of a range of nutritionally desirable compounds were shown to be higher in organic crops [and] ‘Levels of nutritionally undesirable compounds were shown to be lower in organic crops'. Those of you interested in a detailed critique of the FSA report should go to www.soilassociation.org . I’ve been growing food by organic principles for some 40 years and my friends and family don’t need to check the report to know that my fresh, seasonal, produce is the best there is.
Following close on the heels of the FSA report, the government issued a Food Security assessment in early August stressing that climate change and diminishing water and energy supplies – the issues Transition concerns itself with – require a transformation in the way we feed ourselves. Crude oil prices are on the rise again. We are being asked to reduce our energy requirements by 80% by 2050 and the food industry must do likewise with its oil-based footprint. Organic farming can provide real environmentally sustainable solutions. Everyone should have access to organic food and it shouldn’t be seen just as a middle-class lifestyle choice.
For the first time, this year’s Newent in Bloom garden competition has included an Environmental Stewardship category sponsored and judged by Transition Newent. The winners included the
