Organic Federation of Australia

'The Peak Body for the Australian Organic Sector'

www.ofa.org.au

Organic Update January 2008

  • Organic Agriculture is the Viable Alternative to GM
  • Vitamin E, Lutein and Zeaxanthin Reduce Cataracts
  • Pesticides Disrupt Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria
  • Household Pesticides Cause Leukemia
  • Pesticides in 100% of People in the USA
  • Western Australian Canola Crop to Stay GMO-free
  • A Global GMO-free Network
  • EVENTS

Chairs Report

Organic Agriculture is the Viable Alternative to GM
The decision to end the GM moratoria in Victoria and NSW has been based in part on the reduction in pesticide use since the introduction of GM cotton. The proponents neglect to mention that there has been a similar reduction in pesticide use in the non GM cotton that is grown as part of the mix to stop insect resistance to the GM cotton. This reduction has been due to integrated pest management (IPM). The genetic modification only reduces the need for insecticides for one of the many pests that attack cotton and still needs pesticides for the other pests.

The value of Australia’s cotton industry has crashed since the introduction of GM. In the past around 300,000 hectares of cotton was grown annually. The 2005/06 crop was 220,000 hectares and by last year approximately 135,000 hectares were grown. This year, the Australian Newspaper stated that it is estimated that the crop will be 65,000 hectares.

The real problem has not been insect pests – it is water. GM cotton is water hungry.

Contrast this to the booming organic cotton industry around the world. Organic systems are water efficient and comparison trials have shown that they get higher yields than GM cotton. India, Egypt and many Central Asian countries are expanding production of organic cotton despite the drier worldwide conditions caused by climate change.

In recent years, thousands of Indian farmers have committed suicide due to the failure of their conventional and trial GM cotton crops. This is an ongoing tragedy for their families and communities.

On the other hand organic cotton farmers are enjoying good yields and very high prices. This is having a positive flow on effect for their families and communities with a higher standard of living and sense of well being.

Best Regards
Andre

Organic Health News

Vitamin E, Lutein and Zeaxanthin Reduce Cataracts
Peer reviewed research has found that increased levels of the anti oxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, reduces the risk of developing cataracts by 18 per cent. The study found that increased levels of vitamin E resulted in a 14 per cent reduction

Significantly the study by the Danish Institute of Agricultural Research and the University of Newcastle's showed that cows raised on an organic diet produce milk with 50% more Vitamin E and two to three times more zeaxanthine and lutein than conventional milk. Source: Archives of Ophthalmology

Environmental News

Pesticides Disrupt Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria
There is a lot of research showing that pesticides harm nitrogen fixing bacteria. Scientists from the University of Oregon have documented one of the ways that pesticides are harming nitrogen fixing soil bacteria.

The researchers stated in Environmental Health Perspectives that plants create flavonoid molecules to attract nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria to their roots. Experiments have shown that farm level concentrations of some types of pesticides can inhibit the root flavonoid signalling by up to 90%.

This research has two implications. It shows that not using pesticides is one of the reasons why organic food has higher levels of flavonoid antioxidants.

It also shows why soils exposed by synthetic pesticides require increasing levels of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. The United Nations Millenium Assessment Report on the environment found that: ‘Since 1960, flows of reactive nitrogen in terrestrial ecosystems have doubled... More than half of all the synthetic nitrogen fertilizer… ever used on the planet has been used since 1985.’

Pesticide News

Household Pesticides Cause Leukemia
Another study has found that children born to women exposed to household pesticides show twice the risk of developing acute leukemia. The study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found "insecticide use during pregnancy was significantly associated with childhood AL [Acute Leukemia]"

Sri Lanka to Phase-out Paraquat
Sri Lanka plans to phase-out use of the herbicide paraquat within the next three years. Assistant Director of Agriculture K.B. Gunarathne explained the decision was a response to "the high rate of deaths due to paraquat poisoning caused by its inherent toxic properties." There are 400-500 deaths each year in Sri Lanka from paraquat poisoning.

Europe has recently banned this toxic chemical, while in Australia it is still one of the most common herbicides. Research shows that even small exposures cause irreversible damage to lung tissues. Source: PANNA

All Spaniards are Affected by Pesticides
According to an EurActiv.com report, "new research shows that all Spaniards are affected by at least one type of pesticide, fungicide or insecticide classified internationally as potentially harmful to human health."

The University of Granada study took samples of fatty tissue from 387 adult volunteers and reported finding traces of fungicides, insecticides and PCBs. EurActiv reports that 100% of Spaniards carry "at least one type of harmful chemical in their bodies." Tests detected the highest levels of "potentially harmful substances" in women. Source: PANNA

Pesticides in 100% of People in the USA
The Centers for Disease Control in the USA finds pesticides in 100% of the people tested in their biennial body burden assessments. PANNA's 2004 report analyzing CDC data, Chemical Trespass, found that the U.S. "pesticide body burden" is mainly carried by "children, women and Mexican Americans." Source: PANNA

25 Million Workers Experience Pesticide Poisoning
The World Health Statistics Quarterly estimates that up to 25 million workers in developing countries experience at least mild pesticide poisoning in a given year. Source: PANNA

GMO News

Western Australian Canola Crop to Stay GMO-free
"The WA government's attitude to GMOs is clear -- we will remain clean, green and GMO-free unless our consumers tell us otherwise," Western Australia's Agriculture Minister Kim Chance said in a statement.

Mr Chance said that by staying GMO-free, Western Australia will retain key overseas markets and a price premium.

The Consumers Union of Japan would switch to buying from Western Australia, Mr Chance said. European and Australian consumers also preferred GMO-free food, he said. Mr Chance sated that Western Australian canola commands a GMO-free price premium of up to $50 a tonne. Source: Reuters

A Global GMO-free Network
International stakeholders meeting in Brussels, Belgium, have announced plans to create "a reliable, global supply of non-GM soy" to counter the spread of genetically engineered crops.

361 delegates attended a two-day meeting, representing the continent's 43 GMO-free regions (including Brittany in France, Tuscany in Italy and Upper Austria), Brazil, Canada, China, India and the US. Renaud Layadi, Sustainable Development Project Manager for the Regional Council of Brittany, explained that the goal was "to create a non-GM commodity market."

A 2006 Eurobarometer survey found that most Europeans oppose GM food. As a result, Cargill, Bunge and ADM were forced to accept a two-year moratorium on soybeans grown on deforested lands. Source: Environmental News Network

EVENTS

BioFach, the World Organic Trade Fair, 21-24 February 2008
The OFA is coordinating the Australian Organic Products Stand at Biofach, in Germany in February 2007. Biofach is the world’s largest exhibition of organic goods and services. It is an excellent opportunity to sell Australian products to buyers from all over the world. If you are interested in exhibiting and/or promoting your product, the information and costs are on the front page of our website. www.ofa.org.au

2,600 exhibitors will present their products to the some 45,000 visitors at BioFach 2008, the World Organic Trade Fair and the organic world’s most important get-together. BioFach, which takes place in Nuremberg from 21-24 February, has another highlight lined up for 2008 – the new Wine Hall 4A. This puts organic wine in the limelight and the culinary event worlds in the Wine Hall have some real organic delights in store for visitors. Vivaness, the Trade Fair for Natural Personal Care and Wellness in hall 7A and part of hall 7, celebrates its first birthday in 2008.

3 Day ACS Compost Production Workshop February 25, 26 & 27 2008
Young Service & Citizens Club, Cloete Street YOUNG
Phone (02) 6382 2165 Fax (02) 6382 5439 Email: ylad@dragnet.com.au

Advanced Composting System Workshop February 28 2008
Keynote International Presenters EDWIN J BLOSSER & ROGER KROPF
Young Service & Citizens Club, Cloete Street YOUNG
Phone (02) 6382 2165 Fax (02) 6382 5439 Email: ylad@dragnet.com.au

Inverell Climate Change Forum and Expo 28th - 29th March 2008.
The Forum on 28th March will provide background information about Climate Change, practical take-home information for rural and urban residents and also highlight opportunities emerging.

The Expo will be held on Day 2 of the event, 29th March, and will be open to the public. The Expo will showcase interactive displays, product demonstrations and promotion of local produce as a means of reducing our carbon footprint.

Contact Vicky Higgins on (02) 67251576 or email evhiggins@activ8.net.au, or Fiona Adams at GWYMAC on (02) 67211241.

Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Workshop program January, 2008

Place

Date

Topic

The Channon, NSW

23 Feb

An introduction to Biodynamics

Mt Gambier, SA

27-28 Feb

Introduction to biodynamics for grazing, cropping and horticulture

Koonunga, Barossa Valley, SA

1-2 Mar

Introduction to biodynamics for grazing, cropping and viticulture

Paris Creek, SA

3-4 Mar

Biodynamics for dairy, horticulture and grazing

Broke, NSW

17-18 May

Biodynamics – An introduction to regenerative farm and environment practices

Perth, TAS

26/27 May

Introduction to biodynamics for grazing and cropping

Tamar Valley, Tas

24/25 Oct

Introductory Biodynamic Viticulture

Cowaramup, WA

28-29 April

Introductory Biodynamic Viticulture

Albany, WA

1-2 May

Introduction to biodynamics for grazing, cropping and viticulture
 

July 2008

Biodynamics and agricultural economics

See www.biodynamics.net.au for details or phone 02 6655 0566

Conversion and Expansion: Pathway to Organic and Biodynamic Farming, 21-22 May 2008
Tram Shed Function Centre,Inveresk Rail Yards 4 Invermay Rd ,Launceston
For further information please contact DPIW Organic Industry Development Officer Alex Mitchell on 03 6233 2404 or Alexandra.Mitchell@dpiw.tas.gov.au or visit the website www.farmpoint.tas.gov.au

The 16th IFOAM Organic World Congress
June 18-20 2008 in Modena, Italy

Slow Food Melbourne Farmers Market
St Heliers Street, Collingwood on the 4th Saturday of each month.

Veg Out Farmers’ Market
1st Saturday of every month 8.30am-1pm
Chaucer Street, St Kilda (just behind Acland Street and Luna Park)

Collingwood Children’s Farm Farmers’ Market
2nd Saturday every month 8.00am–1pm
St Heliers Street, Abbotsford

Gasworks Farmers’ Market
3rd Sat every month 8.30am–1pm
Graham Street, Albert Park. (cnr Pickles St)

The Gascoyne Growers Markets, Carnarvon, Western Australia
Every Saturday 8am to 11.30am from mid-May to October
For further information email gascoynemarkets@westnet.com.au
or call markets coordinator Nic Giblett on 0403 198 760.

Organic Update is a publication of the Organic Federation of Australia
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PO Box 369 Bellingen NSW 2454 Australia
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