Dr Charles Benbrook working for the Organic Center in USA reported these findings in January 26, 2005:
"Organically grown produce had higher levels in 13 out of 15 cases. On average, the organic crops contained about one-third higher antioxidant and/or phenolic content compared to conventionally (chemically) grown produce. Several studies found levels of specific vitamins, flavonoids or antioxidants in organic foods to be two or three times the level found in matched samples of conventionally grown foods.

In general, factors that impose stress on plants tend to trigger a plants' innate defence mechanisms, and this 'immune system' results in the synthesis of antioxidants. Studies reviewed in this State of Science Review provide evidence that several core practices on organic fruit and vegetable farms, can increase antioxidant and polyphenol content compared to conventional practices that depend on commercial fertilizers and pesticides. The use of compost, cover crops and slow release forms of nitrogen were cited. The prohibition of pesticides in organic farming provides additional health benefits to consumers who choose organic. Harvesting fruits and vegetables at optimal ripeness and consuming them in less-processed forms, without removing skins or peels, will preserve a greater portion of their antioxidants, says Benbrook. The outer layers of fruits and vegetables generally contain the highest concentrations of antioxidants, but many consumers peel their conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables to help reduce levels of pesticide residues.

Seeking out organic produce can therefore deliver a dual benefit to consumers by maximizing antioxidant intake and minimizing pesticide dietary exposure. Research on antioxidant levels in organically grown food is among the Organic Center's top research priorities. The Center has initiated and funded three new research projects. In 2004 they focused on the impact of organic farming methods and food processing technologies on the antioxidant content of food. Detailed information about the Center's antioxidant-related projects can be found at: www.organic-center.org/stateofscience.htm

Fifty-two percent of Digger's club members buy organics
A recent survey of our club members shows that growing food organically and concern about unsustainable systems are of vital interest. Considering that only about 1% of food consumption is supplied organically, there is obviously a huge under-supplied organic market. In fact 80% of Digger’s Club Members purchase organic products when they are readily available.

Flame weed control
Controlling weeds is the most difficult part of organic gardening. At Heronswood and St Erth we have had considerable success using flame weeders, particularly in our most visible high traffic areas such as gravel paths.
The principle of flaming is to effectively boil the water inside the plant to destroy its cells.
Boiling moisture causes the cells to burst, breaking down photosynthesis and causing die back down to the root zone without having to poison our soils.
There is certainly no need to incinerate the plant and in most cases 1/10 of a second application is adequate.
For more information contact Gameco, NSW: www.gameco.com.au

Is Coca Cola the new pesticide?
Cotton farmers in India believe that the huge sugar levels in fizzy drinks, which are high enough to dissolve teeth, would kill pests. Mixed with lower levels of pesticides, the sugary syrup improved pest control. Apparently the sticky, fizzy syrup made the “pests numb and they fell to the ground”, or was it that their teeth fell out!

What does organic really mean?
One of the major benefits of buying organic food is that the growing process is rigorously monitored and certified to ensure:
1) Highly toxic and environmentally damaging and persistent chemicals are not used in the growing process. (Naturally occurring insecticides are allowed but no toxic herbicides.)
2) Long term sustainable soil improvement systems are used and quick release highly soluble fertilisers that infiltrate our rivers and water tables are banned.
3) The organic low impact system utilises a greater diversity of plants, crop rotations and integrated pest controls to boost carbon contents and soil fertility.

The end result is more nutritious and healthy food produced under sustainable farming systems. If we all grew or purchased organic food and choose Forestry Stewardship Council certified products the impending ecological distasters would be minimised!

How organic are organic eggs?
Whilst organic farming is booming in Europe and the US, Australia is hugely under-developed, particularly in the production of poultry. Whilst organic certification requires livestock (chickens and pigs), to be housed under free range conditions with unrestricted daytime access to outside grassed runs and without using antibiotics, does this occur from birth?
Whilst most of us would prefer to buy free range chickens and eggs, a recent survey in the UK highlighted consumers ignorance about what this really means.
Did you know that in the UK egg laying birds spend the first half of their lives on a diet of non-organic food, or that they would have lived in crowded unhygienic conditions (9 birds per square metre), for the first 18 weeks?
Apparently the EEC will require changes in August 2005 to ensure their diet is 100% organic grains and prohibit antibiotic growth hormones in association with outdoor grazing.
One wonders whether Australian organic poultry producers have similar certification rules.

Pesticide – conflicts of interest
Indiscriminate use of pesticides in Malerkotla India was the apparent cause of health problems expressed as headaches, skin irritation, stomach aches, vomiting, eye irritation, blurred vision and pesticide poisoning amongst farmers. Malerkotla is the hub of vegetable production, Kheti Virasat (a Non Government Organisation), reported:
“What is strange and shocking is that farmers are making a cocktail of different pesticides. This dangerous combination is sprayed almost every second or third day. The extension officers and the dealer agents of pesticide companies do not even discourage farmers from doing so.”

Multinational patents on Neem rejected!
The European patent office upheld a decision to revoke a patent on a fungicidal product derived from the seeds of the Neem tree.
The Neem tree has been used for thousands of years on the Indian subcontinent, but attempts by multinational chemical company WR Grace and the US Department of Agriculture to patent a method used for centuries in India, would have transferred ownership of the “free tree”.
Vandana Shiva and the International Federation of Organic Agriculture fought the claim to prevent the piracy by patent law. In effect Western corporations would have gained monopoly control of a method and fungicide stolen from India and then force Indians to pay them for its use!
This is a historic victory because it is the first time anybody has been able to reject a patent!
Organic seeds