www.ofa.org.au

Organic Food is Healthier
The evidence that organic food is healthier continues to grow with a substantial number of studies showing the superiority of organic food. This edition of organic update contains reviews of three recent scientific studies that clearly show the benefits of organic food. Most significantly the report by Charles Benbrook, Chief Scientist of the Organic Center shows how organic farming techniques can increase antioxidant levels by 30% over levels in conventional food.

OFA restructure
The response to the draft document of the OFA restructure has been very positive with a range of comments. The Industry Working Group will review these comments and put out the final document at the end of March.

The OFA has new contact numbers:
Phone +61 1300 657 435
PO Box 166,
Oakleigh South Vic 3167 Australia

Best Regards
Andre Leu
Chair

Research No.1 - Organic Foods Have Elevated Levels of Antioxidants
The Organic Center's second State of Science Review (SSR) concludes that organic farming methods have the potential to elevate average antioxidant levels, especially in fresh produce. Charles Benbrook, Ph.D., compiled and analyzed existing scientific information for his report, Elevating Antioxidant Levels Through Organic Farming and Food Processing. The report reveals that on average, antioxidant levels were about 30 percent higher in organic food compared to conventional food grown under the same conditions.

The report’s findings are particularly useful for consumers who wish to consume higher levels of antioxidants in fresh fruits and vegetables, without additional caloric intake. The USDA is currently recommending higher daily intake of fruits and vegetables, especially those that are antioxidant rich. The report’s tables include rankings of common foods according to their total antioxidant capacity per calorie and per typical serving. Consumers who seek out foods high in antioxidant content can meet recommended antioxidant intake levels with less than 10 percent of their daily caloric intake.

"Because of the many potential health benefits associated with antioxidant consumption, increasing average daily antioxidant intake through the diet has emerged as an important health goal," says Benbrook. "This goal was a major factor shaping the new USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which increase the average recommended intake of fruits and vegetables to at least nine servings per day from the original five. By generating higher concentrations of antioxidants in fresh produce and other organic foods, organic farming can help people increase their daily consumption of antioxidants without a proportional increase in calories."

This report reviews, among other data, 15 quantitative comparisons of antioxidant levels in organic versus conventional fruit and vegetables. 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 than comparable conventional 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 conventional foods. In studies making direct comparisons of levels of antioxidants in organic versus conventional produce, higher levels are often found in organic produce but the converse is rarely true.

Organic farming techniques can increase antioxidant content
A wide range of factors can influence the mix of antioxidants that a plant manufactures, as well as the levels the plant produces at any given point. In general, factors that impose stress on plants tend to trigger a plant’s innate defense mechanisms and these mechanisms are driven by and/or entail the synthesis of antioxidants.

Studies reviewed in this SSR provide evidence that several core practices on organic fruit and vegetable farms — use of compost, cover crops, slow release forms of nitrogen — can increase antioxidant and polyphenol content compared to conventional practices that depend on commercial fertilizers and pesticides. The prohibition of pesticides in organic farming practices provides additional benefits to consumers who choose organic.

"Harvesting fruits and vegetables at optimal ripeness and consuming them in less-processed forms, without removing skins or peals, 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 peal 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."

Organic processing methods may also increase antioxidant levels
There are significant differences between some of the food processing methods and technologies used in manufacturing conventional foods in contrast to those allowed and used in producing organic processed foods. Some of these differences are known to have an impact on antioxidant levels. For example, the synthetic chemical hexane is often used in extraction of oils from crops in conventional oil processing plants, but is prohibited in organic oil processing. Hexane is known to promote removal of certain antioxidants.

High-temperature and high-pressure processing technologies also tend to remove significant portions of the antioxidants present in fresh foods. Organic processing plants often use lower pressure, cold-pressing methods to extract juices and oils. The resulting food products are generally richer in flavor and retain more nutrients, including antioxidants.

Though there is much more to learn, the current state of science supports the conclusion that organic farming methods can and often do result in higher antioxidant levels in fruits and vegetables. This health benefit for consumers joins the list of other well-documented reasons to buy organic, including the reduction of farm worker and consumer exposures to pesticides, the impacts of pesticides on the environment, and the prevention of problems associated with hormone and antibiotic use in livestock farming. Many consumers report that they enjoy the richer flavors in organic food and instinctively sense that organic foods are better for them; this SSR confirms that there are good reasons to focus additional scientific resources on gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the taste and health-oriented benefits associated with elevating average antioxidant levels in food.

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 focused on the impact of organic farming methods and food processing technologies on the antioxidant content of food. An executive summary and the entire report can be found at: http://www.organic-center.org/science.htm?articleid=54.

Research No.2 - Rats fed on organic food are Healthier
RATS fed on organic food are slimmer, sleep better and have stronger immune systems than others fed on conventionally grown produce, researchers have found. A team from the Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, aided by a Newcastle University scientist, experimented on 36 rats, feeding one group organic food, another conventionally grown food, with high levels of fertiliser and some pesticide, and a third group minimally fertilised food.

The scientists found the rats fed organic food were healthier, in that they slept better, were more resistant to illness and less obese. Full article: http://news.scotsman.com/scitech.cfm?id=191042005

Research No.3 - Organic Foods are Healthier
Research reviewed in the Independent Science Panel Report, The Case for a GM-Free Sustainable World (www.indsp.org) has shown that organic crops tend to have a higher nutrient content, and organic feed improves the general health and disease resistance of farm animals.

Organic farming practices including the use of animal or green manure and long crop rotation are also thought to reduce plant infection by pathogens. However, mycotoxins (fungus derived toxins) called DON (deoxynivalenol) and OTA (ochratoxin A), often contaminate wheat, whether grown organically or conventionally; they cause cancer, damage genes, and are harmful to the kidneys and the immune system. The levels of these toxins may be reduced by fungicides, or increased by nitrogen fertilisers, and are also influenced by climate and improper storage; for example being kept too hot or wet, a condition that may be associated with organic production.

There have been a few studies showing that animals fed organically have slight improvements over those fed conventionally in mortality rate, body and organ weight, reproductive performance and fertility.

Scientists at the National Institute for Research into Food and Nutrition in Rome have taken a new approach in comparing organic and conventional food consumption, by looking at sensitive markers of cell function in response to the toxins in animals under vulnerable conditions.

Weaned rats were assigned to two groups and fed for 30 days on conventional or organic wheat, both of which had been grown under carefully controlled conditions. Both groups were then divided into two subgroups of well nourished or protein energy malnourished rats.

The study found that conventional wheat appeared to compromise the ability of the vulnerable animals to mount an immune response. The rats fed on organic wheat could mount immune responses to fight off diseases. Source: The Institute of Science and Society. http://www.i-sis.org.uk/index.php

GMO ban in chicken feed
Australia's three major poultry producers will stop using genetically modified (GM) grain in their chicken feed. Inghams, Baiada and Bartter Steggles announced a ban on all GM soybeans as feed.

This is a victory for consumers and is consistent with the information showing that increasing numbers of consumers are avoiding GMO products as they become better informed about the issues.

Stop GE terminator technology
Canada, with the support of New Zealand and Australia, began placing intense pressure on the scientific advisory board to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity to approve requests for the commercialization of the Terminator Gene Technology at a United Nations meeting in Bangkok February 7-11

Consumer, farmer, and environmental organizations across the globe are mobilizing to stop the legalization and commercialization of the controversial Terminator Gene Technology

This insidious technology produces plants that are genetically engineered to become sterile or commit suicide after one growing season. The Monsanto corporation and the biotech industry support the Terminator Technology, because it will force many of the 1.4 billion farmers around the world to stop saving their seeds and instead to purchase patented seed varieties from the Gene Giants.

Scientists are concerned that genetic pollution from Terminator crops will lead to killing off a wide range of crops and plants, as Terminator pollen and seeds are spread by the wind, insect pollinators, and commercial seed co-mingling and transportation. After a massive international campaign in 1998, Monsanto Corporation announced they were shelving plans to commercialize the Terminator, while the United Nations (UN) called for a global ban. The Organic Consumers Association has an online international petition to help stop this dangerous and reckless technology. http://organicconsumers.org/un.htm

RBGH Milk is RBGH Milk
The Center for Global Food Safety, an industry front group funded in part by the Monsanto Corporation, has launched an aggressive "Milk is Milk" campaign, claiming there is no difference between milk produced by cows injected with genetically engineered hormones (Monsanto's recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone) and organic or naturally produced milk.

The US FDA is aiding the industry's anti-organic "Milk is Milk" campaign, saying they will crack down on organic and rBGH-free dairies that label their products as "hormone free." Monsanto's controversial hormone has been banned in every industrialized country in the world, other than the U.S., Brazil and Mexico, due to scientific evidence indicating that the milk from injected cows contains more pus, antibiotic residues, and IGF-1, a potent cancer tumor promoter. The drug also seriously damages the health of the cows. Read an analysis of the risks of rBGH and a response to the launching of the "Milk is Milk" campaign by Samuel S. Epstein, M.D. (University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health) and Ronnie Cummins of the OCA. Learn more... http://www.organicconsumers.org/rbghlink.html

To date the keynote speakers confirmed are:
Gerry Glover – The Land Institute, USA
Prof. Hardy Vogtmann - Hon President of IFOAM, Germany
Sue Kedgley - Greens MP and author, NZ
David Holmgren - co-originator of Permaculture
Prof. Stuart Hill - Chair of Social Ecology, Uni West Syd
Adimaimalaga Tafuna’I - Women in Business, Somoa
Dr Tim Flannery - Museum Director SA
Prof. Ulrich Koepke - Organic Researcher, Germany
Pipo Lernoud - organic retailer, Argentina
The Committee is still in discussion with some more keynote speakers, the outcome of which will not be known for a few weeks; more news to come.

The Organizing Committee is responsible for raising funds for sponsoring delegates from the Asia/Pacific region.It has been agreed by the Committee at our last meeting that there will be a further campaign for donations from businesses and individuals over the next few months.

This is a great opportunity for organic organizations throughout Australia to become involved - this can be either by a donation to the Sponsorship Program or by agreeing to raise funds to sponsor a delegate - the estimated cost is around $4,000. Groups sponsoring delegates would select the delegate they would sponsor and have the option to have them in their community prior to the Congress.

If any groups are interested in donations or sponsoring a delegate please e-mail Jan karra2@iinet.net.au for more information.

One of the initiatives is to have delegates fund tree planting to compensate for the "carbon miles" created in getting to the Congress. As well delegates will be given guidelines on registration which will list how they can reduce their impact on the environment whilst in Adelaide for the Congress.

Ian Doyle is well known in Adelaide and nationally having previously worked for the ABC. Ian will be ensuring that there are "stories" on a regular basis from now until the Congress. So over the coming months you can expect to receive regular news items on the Congress

The Fair will be held in Botanic Park and will be a weekend of entertainment, music, education, good food and fun.

Jan Denham, Conference Co-ordinator.
Phone: 03 5027 9249
E-mail: karra2@iinet.net.au

1: IFOAM calls for an Executive Director
IFOAM calls for an IFOAM Executive Director. The deadline for submitting applications to recruitment@ifoam.org is April 15th 2005. The position shall be filled by September 1st 2005.

Job description at: http://www.ifoam.org/jobs/IFOAM-ED-Job-Description.pdf

2: OGS REVIEW UPDATE
The third phase of consultation on the Review of the IFOAM Organic Guarantee System included a comprehensive discussion at the IFOAM leaders' Summit in November, plus the receipt of 15 written comments from IFOAM members. Comments were submitted by retailers, associations, individuals, the IOAS, and certification bodies.

3: Request for Input on the Principles of Organic Agriculture
IFOAM affiliates and stakeholders in the organic movement are invited to participate in this round of consultation on the Principles of Organic Agriculture. This consultation round is the last one before the General Assembly.

Request for input on the review of the Principles of Organic Agriculture http://www.ifoam.org/pospap/POA-Request-Input.pdf

4: The First Issue of ORA News
The Newsletter of the Organic Retailers Association, an IFOAM internal body has been published. http://www.ifoam.org/rep_contact/ORA_News_Jan05-1.pdf

5: The World of Organic Agriculture 2005 to be published by February 22nd
The World of Organic Agriculture: Statistics and Emerging Trends 2005,200 pages, 16 Euros. The reports were rewritten or revised and the statistical material was updated for this seventh edition, February 2005. An extensive chapter on the milestones in the organic sector in the previous year is also included.

IFOAM affiliates get a 20% discount on all publications. Order online at http://www.ifoam.org/letter.html

5: New website: Biodiversity in Organic Agriculture
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Biodiversity and Landscape issues in Organic Agriculture concerning was signed between IUCN and IFOAM on July 4th 2003. A resolution on biodiversity and organic agriculture at the IUCN World Conservation Congress and the MoU have led to an agreement between the two organizations to jointly establish a working group to study the contribution of Organic Agriculture to the conservation of biodiversity. The Third International IFOAM Conference on Biodiversity and Organic Agriculture was jointly organized by UNEP,

IFOAM in cooperation with the German Federal Agency for Nature Protection (BfN) from September 24th to 26th 2004 in Nairobi (Kenya). The conference focused on the relationship between biodiversity, nature protection and Organic Agriculture, including the impact of genetic engineering on biodiversity as well as on Organic Agriculture.

For more information please visit the new web site: http://www.iucn-ce.org.pl/organic-biodiversity/en/

6: Earth Net Foundation,Green Net Cooperative Disaster Rehabilitation Fund and Biotani Indonesia Foundation Appeal for Organic Food Aid
A) The Earth Net Foundation and Green Net Cooperative are requesting fund to aid marginalized fishing communities in the Phuket and Phang Nga areas. There are fishing villages inhabited by "Thai Mai", who are groups who settled in the area a few generations ago and although legal residents, they do not have Thai citizenship nor property ownership.

Some are settled members of the Moken or "Sea Gypsies". As they are not Thai citizens and may lack documentation for losses, The Earth Net Foundation and Green Net Cooperative feel that it is likely that they will lose out on some of the benefits being given to disaster victims and refugees. They are also looking into the possibility of establishing long-term relationships with some communities and working with them on long-term sustainable community development programmes.

For further information: http://www.ifoam.org/EarthNet-Tsunami-Relief.pdf

B)The BioTani Indonesia Foundation appeal for donations to support organic Food Aid and seed packets in the disaster relief area. For further information contact:

Riza V. Tjahjadi
BioTani Indonesia Foundation
Jl. Persada Raya No. 1
Menteng Dalam Jakarta 12870
Telp: +62-21-8296545
Email: biotani@rad.net.id, biotani2004a@yahoo.com
http://www.ifoam.org/Tsunami-Aceh-No2GMOs.pdf

7: Global Roundtable on Sustainable Soy & Palmoil
Soy is in great demand worldwide. The rapid growth of soy production in Latin America to meet this demand threatens the livelihoods of people and whole ecosystems.

On March 17-18, 2005 in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, a global multistakeholder roundtable conference will be held to discuss how soy can be produced in a more sustainable manner to the benefit of the people and the environment. Members of the Organizing Committee are: Coop Switzerland, Cordaid, Fetraf Sul, Grupo Maggi, Unilever, and WWF. For more information and registration, please go to www.sustainablesoy.org

For information about the parallel global roundtable on sustainable palm oil, please go to www.sustainable-palmoil.org

Vegetation Incentives Program - A partnership with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines
The Queensland Government has allocated $12 million to conserve high-value areas of native bush which may otherwise not be protected. The Vegetation Incentives Program (VIP) will pay landholders to work on their land to ensure that its natural values are maintained.

Projects under the VIP could include:

• Fencing to protect an area of native bush
• Eradicating or controlling weeds and other invasive species
• Controlling feral pests or animals where damage is being caused
• Undertaking remedial works such as soil erosion control
• Liaising and working with conservation managers to protect ecological values.

Landholders may be able to continue to graze the land or continue other production if it doesn’t conflict with the maintenance of its natural values.

Expressions of interest are now being taken up until 29 April 2005 for all regions excluding South East Queensland and Southern Region (including New England tablelands).

To find out more, contact Steve Cupitt at Greening Australia Queensland on 1800 655 524 or email kcupitt@qld.greeningaustralia.org.au

I am a horticulturist with Yates but also have a business/corporate background. I am looking for employment opportunities in the organic industry as I would love to be able to get involved in the organic industry and start contributing to a more sustainable way of living!
Contact Steve Falcion: sfalcioni@hotmail.com

4th International Conference on Organic Textiles - Intercot
"Global Approaches to Organic Textiles"
May 1 - 3, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois USA
dgagnon@ota.com
http://www.intercot.org/2005/portal/loader.php

BioFach America
September 16-18, 2005
Organic Products Expo
Washington, D.C., USA
f.venjakob@nuernbergglobalfairs.com
http://www.nuernbergglobalfairs.com/

15th IFOAM Organic World Congress
September 20-23, 2005
Adelaide, Australia
ifoam2005@nasaa.com.au
http://www.nasaa.com.au/ifoam/

IFOAM General Assembly
September 25-27, 2005
Adelaide, Australia
For more information, contact:
headoffice@ifoam.org

BioFach Japan
International Organic Trade Fair
September 21-23, 2005
Tokyo, Japan
f.venjakob@nuernbergglobalfairs.com

BioFach America Latina
November 16-18, 2005
International Organic Trade Fair and Conference
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
f.venjakob@nuernbergglobalfairs.com
http://www.nuernbergglobalfairs.com/

Organic Update is a publication of the Organic Federation of Australia
Phone +61 1300 657 435
PO Box 166 Oakleigh South Vic 3167 Australia

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