- Organics could extend lifespan
FRUITNET.COM
by Tom Joyce
"New research outlining the health benefits of organic produce has been welcomed by the UK's Soil Association
A UK study by the University of Newcastle has shown that switching to organic produce could extend average lifespans, as well as keeping people healthier and slimmer.
This is due to the higher count of key nutrients including vitamin C in fruit and vegetables grown without artificial fertilisers, the researchers stated.
"In organic produce the content of secondary metabolites is 12 per cent higher than in conventional samples," the academics said, while the presence of vitamin C was found to be six per cent higher on average.
As a result, lifespans could typically be extended by 25 days for men and 17 days for women, but some could live for up to five years longer, according to the researchers.
The study contradicts the findings of the Food Standards Agency, which caused an uproar in 2009 when it published research stating that there was no significant increase in nutrients in organic produce.
Peter Melchett, policy director at the Soil Association, commented: "There are lots of reasons people choose organic, not least because it is better for the environment, animal welfare and wildlife. Here we have research which demonstrates a significant health benefit. As more science is conducted, we see evidence showing beneficial nutritional differences associated with organic food.""
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- State of Organic Seed
Organic Seed Alliance
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- State of Organic Seed Report 2010: Organic Seed Questionnaire for Organic Growers (including results)
Organic Seed Alliance
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- Demand for Organic Seeds is on the Rise
by Chris Hinyub
"Mother Earth News is reporting that more farmers are turning to locally grown organic seeds. This according to a survey provided to over 200 U.S. and Canadian seed companies.
There are only a dozen seed companies offering organic seeds exclusively, while a dozen other companies claim that more than 75 percent of their listings are organic. However, 75 percent of the companies surveyed say they plan to expand their selection of organic varieties, perhaps because about half of the seed suppliers questioned reported that their customers prefer certified organic or biodynamic seed. To meet increasing demand for regionally adapted organic seeds, some of these companies are working with more local growers and seed cooperatives.
Consolidation in the seed market has been a real bane for organic farmers. Lax antitrust law enforcement coupled with overly-liberal utility patent protections on (of all things) sexually reproducing plants have reduced not only the number of organic seed producers but the varietal diversity of their seeds as well. The Organic Farming Research Foundation's Winter 2011 Issue Bulletin features an excellent article by Kristina Hubbard that summarizes the causes of the shrinking gene pool within the traditional seed industry and the coinciding lack of organic seed merchants, offering solutions based on regional cooperation amongst farmers and seed growers. Hubbard enlightens her readers on the problems facing organic seed security in the wake of corporate consolidation of the seed industry:
"...Responses to a nationwide survey conducted by Organic Seed Alliance in 2010 indicate the organic sector is under-served in genetics specifically adapted to organic cropping systems, regions, and market niches. For varieties of organic seed that are available, many farmers are challenged by a lack of sufficient quantity."
"While problems surrounding organic seed are complex, consolidation in the seed industry stands out as a major contributor to the basic lack of availability of organic seed. Companies have rapidly consolidated in the last 40 years, absorbed by transnational firms with chemical and biotechnology interests. The result has been less competition and choice in the marketplace and a lack of infrastructure to provide for the diverse needs of organic farmers."
She goes on state, "at least 200 independent seed companies have been acquired or gone out of business in the last thirteen years, including companies interested in providing for the organic and conventional seed market."
The results of this latest survey give organic farmers a reason to breathe a sigh of relief."
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- The Future of Organic Products: Brands of Retailer Private Labels?
Organic Monitor
"There is some debate about the future growth of the organic products industry. Is it with brands or retailer private labels? The industry has been built by brands that have crossed over from specialist to mainstream retailers. However, new research shows retailer private labels are showing the highest sales growth in the current environment..."
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- Healthy and Sustainable Food
Harvard Medical School
Salad Greens
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- How can the industry maintain veg seed sales?
Horticulture Week
HW polled staff at the Mr Fothergills open day in Newmarket.
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- Grower improves lettuce crop by sterilising soil against diseases and weeds
Horticulture Week
A Norwich-based salad grower has cut nearly all of his lettuce crop this year thanks to the beneficial effects of soil sterilisation.
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- Suttons sees veg seeds peak
Horticulture Week
by Matthew Appleby
Seed companies will grow more by taking business from their rivals rather than seeing the grow you own market expand, according to Suttons Seeds marketing manager Tom Sharples.
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- Market report- retail seeds
Horticulture Week
by Sally Drury
How have seed sales fared in 2010 after booming and breaking records last
year? Sally Drury investigates
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