Joe Organics

The Scoop

2009-08-03T11:21:00.000-06:00

Breaking Science
In The News
Do You Know?
Events and Presentations
Core Truths
The Art of Giving
Join Mission Organic
About THE SCOOP
About The Organic Center

New Science Heightens Concern over Children's Exposures to Organophosphate Insecticides

The PON1 enzyme plays a critical role in detoxifying organophosphate insecticides. The conventional wisdom held that by age two, infants were producing as much PON1 as adults, and were therefore no more or less susceptible than adults to neurological damage following a given exposure episode.

Scientists have now shown that PON1 levels are as much as four-fold lower in children compared to adults through at least age seven, extending by five years the period during which children are at heightened risk of abnormal neurological development following OP insecticide exposures. Such exposures occur many times in most days, as documented in the Center's March 2008 report "Simplifying the Pesticide Risk Equation: The Organic Option".

Moreover, the human population contains a variety of genotypes with PON1 polymorphisms. In short, some individuals naturally produce significantly more of certain forms of PON1, while others produce much less. Those infants and children with depressed PON1 production are at the greatest risk of sustained neurological damage from OP exposures.

Past research has already established that lower PON1 levels increases the risk of reduced head circumference, a marker for brain size and intelligence.

Work by Dr. Alex Lu, now at the Harvard University School of Public Health, has shown that a predominantly organic diet virtually eliminates exposure to OP insecticides within days. The important series of studies undertaken by Dr. Lu and colleagues are featured in the TOC report "Successes and Lost Opportunities to Reduce Children's Exposures to Pesticides,". The Center is currently working with Dr. Lu on future research needs focused on the impacts of pesticides on children's health.

Source: Huen, K. et al., "Developmental Changes in PON1 Enzyme Activity in Young Children and Effects of PON1 Polymorphisms," Environmental Health Perspectives, Online, June 9, 2009.

Oregano Oil Reduces E. coli O157 in Hamburger

High heat and prolonged cooking kills most or all of the E. coli O157 in hamburger, but increases the production of carcinogenic heterocyclic amines and diminishes palatability for most consumers. A team of USDA-funded scientists working in Arizona have found that a 1% solution of carvacrol, the main ingredient in the oregano oil used in many salad dressings, reduced E. coli levels 2.5 to 5 logs – efficacy comparable to irradiation. Moreover, the reduction was achieved with cooking at lower temperatures, reducing by ten-fold the production of heterocyclic amines.

The authors also point out that carvacrol also helps control a range of other pathogens, and is but one of several natural constituents in food that could play a positive role in advancing food safety in the future.

Sources: Friedman, Mendel et al., "Carvacrol Facilitates Heat-Induced Inactivation of E. coil O157:H7 and Inhibits Formation of Heterocyclic Amines in Grilled Ground Beef Patties," Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Vol. 57, No. 5, March 11, 2009.

Caloric Restriction Extends Life and Delays Onset of Disease in Monkeys

A group of Rhesus monkeys was fed 30% less calories than a control group on a "normal" diet for 20 years. The impacts on health were remarkable:

The control group had three-times the death rate of the caloric-restriction group at any given time during the study;
The incidence of the most common cancer afflicting monkeys was reduced 50%;
Indicators of cardiovascular disease were reduced 50% by caloric restriction;
The volume of brain grey matter was higher in the caloric-restriction group; and
The animals on the restricted diet appeared to be biologically younger than the control animals.
Source: Colman, R.J. et al., "Caloric Restriction Delays Disease Onset and Mortality in Rhesus Monkeys," Science, Vol. 325, July 10, 2009.

Editor's Note: The Center's March 2009 report "That First Step: Organic Food and a Healthier Future" summarizes in Chapter 2 the encouraging science suggesting that resveratrol, a key antioxidant in red grapes and other fruits and vegetables, can mimic the impacts of caloric restriction on longevity and health.

Multiple studies show that organic farming substantially increases the concentrations of resveratrol in a range of foods.

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Excerpts from the Organic Center's Review of USDA's Economic Analysis of the House-passed Climate Bill

Secretary Tom Vilsack released USDA's preliminary analysis of the economic impacts of the American Clean Energy Act (ACES) bill during testimony before the Senate Agriculture Committee on July 22, 2009. The USDA press release summarizing the Secretary's prepared remarks, and the 13-page economic analysis are posted on the USDA website. Access the report from the "Newsroom archives" on the USDA website.

The major cause of added costs to the agricultural sector from the ACES bill come through increases in energy costs...

The nitrogen fertilizer industry will...receive what amounts to a near one-half billion dollar annual subsidy...

If and as new policies are put in place to bring about climate change-driven payments, Congress and the USDA will have to adopt novel policies to assure that other farm program, and even conservation payments reinforce rather than undermine progress toward more climate-friendly farming systems.

At this point, the ACES bill dances around, or just flat out ignores, some of the most promising farming system changes, if the goal is to cost-effectively reduce net agricultural GHG emissions. These options include adoption of organic farming systems, re-inventing the nitrogen cycle on corn farms, shifting beef cattle from the feedlot back onto well-managed pastures, reducing per capita consumption of beef, and adoption of water-saving irrigation system technology, especially drip systems. If and as American agriculture gets serious about reducing greenhouse gases and as higher energy prices force changes down on the farm and in society as a whole, these will be among the changes delivering the biggest bang for the buck, regardless of who is picking up the check.

Read the full analysis on the Center's website.

Bayer CropScience to Pull the Plug on Endosulfan in 2010

Endosulfan (Thiodan) insecticide is heavily used on fruits and vegetables worldwide and is without doubt one of the most worrisome pesticides on the market. It is a proven endocrine disruptor, and is persistent and tends to bioaccumulate.

The major manufacturer, Bayer, announced in Australia that it will phase out global manufacture of endosulfan in 2010. While an important step in ending the use of this insecticide, many other smaller companies hold registrations for the chemical and can, and likely will continue manufacturing it.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald, http://www.smh.com.au/action/printArticle?id=636349

Editor's Note: The only way to end most uses of endosulfan is a coordinated campaign to revoke all U.S. and international (Codex) tolerances governing endosulfan residues in food. Now that Bayer has decided to no longer fight to keep endosulfan on the market, the U.S. EPA should initiate steps to revoke all tolerances in early 2011.

Monsanto Projects that Over Two-thirds of National Corn Acreage will be Planted to "SmartStax" GE-Corn Varieties

In a conference call with investment analysts, Monsanto's Chief Technology Officer predicted that "SmartStax" corn would eventually be planted on 50 to 65 million acres of corn annually. These varieties combine eight GE-traits covering resistance to two herbicides and expression of several different forms of Bacillus thuriengensis (Bt) for protection against the European corn borer and corn rootworms.

Several "SmartStax" varieties are likely to sell for over $300 per bag (about 80,000 seeds, or enough to plant about 3 acres). In the 1980s, corn farmers spent perhaps $25 per acre on seed.

Source: Jeffrey Tomich, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, July 21, 2009.

Editor's Note: "SmartStax" corn costs so much because of the eight GE-trait "technology fees" embedded in each seed. Yet no farmer needs nor will benefit from more than a few of these traits.

In addition, corn varieties genetically engineered to express multiple novel traits pose new sorts of risks, yet there has been no change in the science reviews undertaken by the government prior to approval. Regulators in USDA and EPA have essentially accepted the industry argument that each individual trait should be evaluated separately in terms of food safety or environmental risks, and that there is no reasons to expect any new or unanticipated risks from the combination of the genetic material and promoters needed to activate eight unique traits in a single variety.

Imagine a pharmaceutical company arguing to the FDA that a pill with eight drugs should be approved with no further testing, as long as each of the eight drugs is approved for human use in its own right. Fortunately, the FDA is aware of the possibly dangerous consequences of drug interactions, and requires a set of studies and rigorous clinical trials to assure that combination drugs will be both safe and effective.

"A Tale of Two Films" Reviews Food, Inc. and Fresh

Two new documentary films, Food, Inc. and Fresh, have injected new energy into the national dialogue about what we eat and how we grow food in America. The two movies cover much of the same ground, but differ greatly in tone. Food, Inc. strives to leave viewers alarmed and eager for change, while the stories in Fresh about people creating healthier local and regional islands within the larger food system are uplifting and hopeful.

The Center has prepared an in-depth joint review of these films, accessible on the Center's website. The review includes an overview, "Two Takes on Scale, Efficiency, Food Safety, and How to Change the Food System", and discussion of how the films address the key issue of whether organic farming can feed the world.

Information is also posted on how to access and view the films, as well as scientific resources that delve more deeply into the topics covered in the films.

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People consuming significant amounts of Great Lakes sport fish contaminated with DDE, the major breakdown product of the insecticide DDT, were over seven-times more likely to be diabetic, compared to people with low-levels of DDE in their blood.

Source: Turyk, M. et al., "Organochlorine Exposure and Incidence of Diabetes in a Cohort of Great Lakes Sport Fish Consumers," Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 117, No. 7, July 2009.

There are about 26,000 stillbirths annually in the United States – one in every 160 pregnancies.

Source: Washington Post, July 7, 2009.

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Acres USA Interview Traces the Roots of Organic Farming in the U.S.
The June 2009 issue of Acres USA contains a lengthy interview with TOC Chief Scientist Chuck Benbrook entitled "Policy, Science & Organic Agriculture: Winning Hearts & Minds in the Quest for a Healthy, Sustainable Food System."

Summary of Key Research Findings Posted on The Organic Center Blog
The Organic Center has compiled a brief summary of fully referenced key research findings from our own primary research and from research around the world on the health and environmental benefits of organic food and farming. The Key Findings are posted on our blog at http://theorganiccenter.wordpress.com/category/science-research/. Please visit our blog regularly, where Managing Director Steven Hoffman helps readers of "The Scoop" stay current on the activities of the Center, events, and other breaking developments via the Center's blog.

Join The Organic Center for Bay-Area Events on September 12
Join The Organic Center on Saturday, September 12, in Oakland and Berkeley, CA, for the Center's 5th Annual Bay Area Celebration.

Events include a new networking opportunity, The Entrepreneur's Open Forum, held 10:00am – noon at Numi Tea Garden in Oakland. The open forum will feature an informal discussion of today's most important issues impacting organic and sustainability. Discussion leaders include Walter Robb, Whole Foods Market; Michael Funk, UNFI; Samantha Cabaluna, Earthbound Farm; Linda Gerwig, Hain Personal Care; Ahmed Rahim, Numi Tea; Jeff Mendelsohn, New Leaf Paper; Alex Petrov, Better Living Brands Alliance; Brent Knudsen, Partnership Capital Growth Advisors; and other Bay Area organic business leaders.

The evening reception, held 6:00 – 9:30 pm at Clif Bar's headquarters in Berkeley, will feature top area business leaders, delicious organic food and beverages, live jazz music, a brief talk with Myra Goodman, co-founder of Earthbound Farm, and the "15-Minute Organic Film Festival!" Cost is $25 and includes both events. Sponsors include O Organics, Lundberg Family Farms, Organic Valley, Horizon, Partnership Capital Growth, Be Green Packaging, and Whole Foods Market. To register, visit www.organic-center.org or call 303-499-1840.

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Core Truths on the Major Benefits of Organic Food and Farming

Core Truths is a ground breaking compilation of the most current research on organic agriculture. This highly readable and graphically stunning 108-page coffee table book documents the verifiable health and environmental benefits of organic products.

Core Truths includes fascinating research about why:

Organic often tastes better
Organic produce contains, on average, 30 percent higher levels of antioxidants
Organic farming can cut mycotoxin risk by over 50 percent
Organic food dramatically reduces pesticide exposure
Organic farms typically use less energy
Order your copy now! Only $30 (plus $5 shipping and handling in US).
Click here for a preview of the book.
Click here to order.

Donate $100 Now! Receive Free Copy of Core Truths

Be a part of supporting vital research about the science behind organic. Make a gift of $100 to The Organic Center now, and we'll send you a free, hard-cover copy of our ground-breaking book, Core Truths (a $35 value.)

Email Seleyn DeYarus for details.

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The Organic Center Features Jerry Garcia Artwork

Do you or someone you know love The Grateful Dead? Do you enjoy beautiful original works of art? If so, select a giclee of Jerry Garcia original artwork and benefit The Organic Center. This unique fundraising initiative to benefit The Organic Center is made possible through the generosity of filmmaker Deborah Koons Garcia and features the series, "In the Garden," by the late Jerry Garcia. Individual prints are $250, or get the full series for $1,000. To order your Jerry Garcia art, click here.

The Organic Center's on-line fundraising program - Become a Friend of The Organic Center

We can now accept secure on-line donations with both yearly and monthly giving options. We also have wonderful gifts to say thank you for your support – including a free one-year subscription to Organic Gardening magazine, organic t-shirt, organic tote bag, our book, Core Truths and Dr. Alan Greene's new book, Raising Baby Green. We have many ways to say thank you for supporting our work.
For more information

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Our Research –
Individuals can support the scientific work of The Organic Center by:

Sharing new information, data, or "Hot Science," email our Chief Scientist
Helping us identify scientists that can contribute to our work, email Chuck Benbrook
Making a contribution, click here
Companies, foundations, or individuals can support work by The Organic Center on a critical issue, or in a specific area through our donor directed research program. Contact Dr. Benbrook for details.

Our Outreach and Communication Program –
Informed consumers drive the organic marketplace. Help The Organic Center reach consumers with the latest science on the organic benefit by:

Join Mission Organic 2010 as an individual
Distributing or reprinting excerpts from our studies
Making a donation to our communications program
For companies, The Organic Center's Mission Organic Affinity Marketing Partnership Program provides resources and tools to help educate your customers about the personal benefits of organic food and farming. Become part of an effort to grow the U.S. market for organic from 3 percent to 10 percent by 2010.

For more information about our affinity marketing program, email Seleyn DeYarus
Learn more about the health and environmental impacts of Mission Organic 2010
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"The Scoop," is an electronic newsletter published monthly by The Organic Center. For a free subscription, visit www.organic-center.org.

© 2008, The Organic Center. All rights reserved. Permission for reproduction of these materials for educational purposes will be granted by contacting The Organic Center at info@organic-center.org.

Editor: Chuck Benbrook, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, The Organic Center

Design: Karen Lutz Benbrook

Circulation: Matthue DeYarus

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Backed by the world's leading scientists, physicians and scholars, The Organic Center is committed to two goals.

1) RESEARCH: providing free, peer-reviewed, credible science that explores the health and environmental benefits of organic agriculture.

2) EDUCATION: helping people and organizations access and better understand science that sheds light on the organic benefit.

To access free downloads of the latest in organic science, or to Join the Mission, go to: www.organic-center.org.

Managing Director: Steven Hoffman
Development Director: Seleyn DeYarus

TOC Board Chair: Michelle Goolsby, Consultant to Dean Foods
Chair Elect: Mark Retzloff, President, Aurora Organic Dairy
Treasurer: Mark Retzloff, President, Aurora Organic Dairy
Secretary: James White, CEO, Jamba Juice

The Organic Center
P.O. Box 20513
Boulder, CO USA 80308
tel 303.499.1840
fax 419.858.1042
www.organic-center.org

The Organic Center Challenges New Study Results

2009-08-03T11:19:00.001-06:00

; Defends the Nutritional Superiority of Organic Foods

Dear Friend of The Organic Center,

An advance copy of a study appeared yesterday that will be published in the September edition of the American Journal of Clinical Research. The published paper, "Nutritional quality of organic foods: a systematic review," was written by a team led by Alan Dangour at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The study, commissioned by the U.K. Food Standards Agency (FSA), claims that there are no differences in nutritional quality between conventional and organic foods.

The Organic Center’s chief scientist, Dr. Chuck Benbrook, along with Dr. Don Davis and Dr. Preston Andrews, have written a strong response questioning the methodology and challenging the findings of this study, and we wanted to let you know where you can access it, as you may be responding to media and other inquiries, or seeing articles in this regard. Click here to see Dr. Benbrook’s full response to this controversial study:

http://www.organic-center.org/science.nutri.php?action=view&report_id=157

Thank you,

Steve Hoffman, Managing Director

December JoeOrganics blog

2009-01-14T18:01:00.001-07:00

In This Issue:
Breaking Science
In The News
Do You Know?
Commentary
Events and Presentations
Core Truths
The Art of Giving
Join Mission Organic
About THE SCOOP
About The Organic Center
A Roadmap to the Fountain of Youth?
USDA scientists report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry that a Pterostilbene in berries and grapes can reverse the negative effects of aging on the human brain, while also improving working memory.
The compound apparently produces these beneficial effects through action as an antioxidant in the hippocampus region of the brain.
In work sponsored by The Organic Center at Washington State University, we found that organic berries contained higher levels of pterostilbenes, compared to conventional fruits. Watch for more details on this work in the January, 2009 "The Scoop."
Source: James Joseph et al., Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2008
Slow Growth an Advantage in Processing Tomatoes
In the latest paper published by Dr. Diane Barrett and colleagues at the University of California-Davis on processing tomatoes, organic tomatoes. were found to consistently contain more total and soluble solids than conventional tomatoes. Soluble solids are a key quality attribute in tomatoes grown for processing, since the greater the percentage of solids, the less water that must be removed during processing.
The team also reported that the organic tomatoes matured more slowly, and indeed, the scientists speculate that the greater level of total and soluble solids may be the result of the somewhat slower growth rate in the organic fields.
Source: Joy Rickman Pieper and Diane Barrett, "Effects of organic and conventional production systems on quality and nutritional parameters of processing tomatoes," Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, Vol. 89:177-194.
Troubling New Evidence Emerges of Damage to Immune System by GM Corn
Four new studies have recently emerged that raise new and old questions about GM corn food safety.
An Italian team has published results in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showing significant disturbances in the immune system of young and old mice fed GM maize event MON 810 (Finemore et al., 2008).
In an important and new finding, the team concludes that "...age is an important factor to be taken into account in the evaluation of transgenic food safety." Moreover, the team found elevated levels of a cell type known to be associated with asthma and food allergies in children.
A carefully designed Austrian study was released last month showing that GM maize reduces fertility and impairs gene expression in mice (Velimirov et al., 2008). The GM corn and its parental, isoline corn (the same genetics, minus the added transgene) were grown side-by-side in Landriano, Italy.
Twenty-one day old mice were fed with the diets for 30 and 90 days; older mice were fed for 90 days on the test diets. The team reported no differences in the total number of white blood cells in the small intestine, spleen and blood, but did find significant differences in the percentages of various immune system response cells in the gut, spleen and blood of both the young and old mice. There was clear evidence in the study of all allergic response in the immune systems of the mice fed the GM corn.
The immune disturbances reported in the Austrian study take on added significance in light of findings from a third laboratory that carried out a proteomic analysis of the proteins in GM and non-GM corn (Zolla et al., 2008). The team identified 43 proteins in the GM corn that were up or down regulated, compared to the parental, isoline corn variety. (an up-regulated gene produces more protein than normal; a down-reguated gene produces less protein than expected) In addition, the fourth study shows that GM corn expressed a well-known human allergen that was not present in the parental strain (Pasini et al., 2008).
Sources: Finamore A, Roselli M, Britti S, Monastra G, Ambra R, Turrini A and Mengheri E. "Intestinal and peripheral immune response to MON810 maize ingestion in weaning and old mice," Journal of Food and Agricultural Chemistry, November 16, 2008.
Velimirov A, Binter, C, and Zentek, J. "Biological effects of transgenic maize NK603xMON810 fed in long term reproduction studies in mice," Forschungsberichte der Sektion IV, Band 3/2008.
Zolla L, Rinalducci S, Antonioli P, Righetti PG. "Proteomics as a complementary tool for identifying unintended side effects occurring in transgenic maize seeds as a result of genetic modification," Journal of Proteome Research, 2008, 7:1850-61.
Pasini G, Simonato B, Curioni A, Vincenzi S, Cristaudo Q, Santucci B, Peruffo AD, Giannattasio M. "IgE-mediated allergy to corn: a 50 kDa protein, belonging to the reduced soluble proteins, is a major allergen," Allergy 2002, 37:98-106.
Editor's Note: Together, these studies stand as confirmation of the basic findings published in 1999 in The Lancet by Dr. Arpad Pusztai and colleagues, who reported adverse immune system impacts in rats fed GM potatoes. The study led by Dr. Pusztai was the first rigorous animal feeding study conducted with a GM food, and triggered reactions and controversy that hardened opposition to GM foods across the U.K. and continental Europe.
The adverse immune and reproductive impacts reported in these four new studies are subtle and required sophisticated experimental designs to detect. Taken together, however, the studies reinforce concerns that have lingered since the 1999 The Lancet paper and will hopefully compel the U.S. government to finally invest in a series of independent toxicological and immunological studies on today's GM corn and soybean varieties.
Until recently, the agricultural biotechnology industry has insisted that there is no evidence linking the mid-1990s commercialization of GM foods with the rise in childhood food allergies, asthma, and related immune-system mediated disorders that have become much more prevalent since the late 1990s. These four studies collectively constitute such evidence.
In the spring of 2009, American corn farmers will plant over 40 million acres of "stacked" GM corn hybrids expressing three, four and up to eight different transgenic modifications. The diversity of unanticipated phenotypic responses among these stacked varieties, especially in the face of unusual stresses triggered by weather or pest attacks, is bound to grow exponentially, compared to the single and double trait GM corn planted since 1997. As a result, the number of corn proteins up or down regulated will grow, as will the likelihood that novel corn proteins with allergenic potential will become more common and threatening to allergy-prone individuals, especially infants and children.
Aggressive steps are needed to assure that today's GM corn can be defended as safe in light of the child-protective provisions in the "Food Quality Protection Act." As a practical matter, little can be done to reduce the risks of novel allergens and immune system damage from GM crops in the 2009 growing season, but by 2010 steps can and should be taken to assure that corn, the backbone of the American food supply, does not become a well of new allergens wrecking havoc in the lives of people prone to food allergies.
Defusing a Dangerous Fungal Pathogen
A team of scientists has discovered a method to turn off the genes in the fungal pathogen that is responsible for causing gray mold in a variety of fruits and vegetable crops. The Botrytis cinerea fungus kills plants by producing toxic sesquiterpenes. The team used genetic engineering techniques to turn off a single gene that produces an enzyme essential in the biosynthesis of the toxic sesquiterpenes.
Source: M. Viaud et al., ACS Chem. Biol., DOI:10.1021/cb800225v
Editor's Note: Suppose this research leads to a method to produce a strain of Botrytis cinerea that is stripped of a gene required to produce the sesquiterpenes that are toxic to plants, and that once the stripped down version of the fungus is created using genetic engineering techniques, the fungus can be grown in a fermentation vat for release in compost teas or other methods.
Would such a technology be allowed for organic production? Who should decide, and on what basis?
Back to top Organic Center Comments on the WIC Program Help Trigger Key Clarification
In October The Organic Center submitted comments to the USDA on the reauthorization of the WIC program. We focused on why the WIC program should not prohibit or discourage mothers from purchasing organic fruits, vegetables, and dairy products with WIC coupons.
The USDA published the "Interim Final Rule for WIC" in the Federal register on December 6, 2008.
In addition to releasing the "Interim Rule," the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (USDA/FNS) sent a communication to all WIC state agencies clarifying that the new federal WIC rules prohibit all states from disallowing purchase of organic fruits and vegetables with cash-value vouchers. Patti Mitchell, a Senior Program Analyst in the Supplemental Food Programs Division, USDA/FNS, told organic food advocates that comments submitted to USDA by The Organic Center, Earthbound Farm, and United Fresh Fruits and Vegetables were persuasive and led to this clarification.
Doubts Grow over Produce Food Safety
A survey by the United Fresh Produce Association shows that 90% of consumers are concerned about produce food safety, with 32% "very or extremely concerned." Over half of the survey respondents stated that their concerns have grown since the August and the protracted news coverage of the Salmonella outbreak ultimately traced to peppers from Mexico.
When asked about their confidence in the safety of food from different countries, 92% said they felt U.S.-grown food was safe, a far higher percentage than other countries. Food from Canada was regarded as the second safest and won the confidence of 42% of survey respondents
Source: The Packer, November 17, 2008, page 1.

Re-engineering Milk
News about the extent and causes of the melamine-milk adulteration scandal in China continues to emerge. A story in the November 28, 2008 Science is entitled "Chinese Probe Unmasks High-Tech Adulteration With Melamine."
Baby formula contaminated with melamine has killed four infants and sickened over 53,000 in China. According to the story, experts investigating the scandal say that the "adulteration was nothing short of the wholesale re-engineering of milk."
One brand of baby formula contained a remarkable 2,563 mg/kg of melamine. This amount increased the protein content of the formula a full 1%; milk usually contains 3.0% to 3.4% protein, so milk contaminated with 2,563 mg/kg melamine is getting about one-third of its protein from melamine. Put another way, the milk has been diluted by about one-third by the addition of water.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has just set a 1 mg/kg "safe" level for melamine in baby formula and milk.
Putting Biotech Crop Acreage into PerspectiveEarlier this year, the biotechnology industry made much of the planting of the billionth acre of genetically modified (GM) crops. While clearly a notable milestone, the Worldwatch Institute released a report entitled "Genetically Modified Crops Only a Fraction of Primary Global Crop Production" on December 4, 2008 that places this achievement in perspective.
GM crops account for just 9% of the total land area used for primary crops worldwide. Four GM crops continue to dominate GM acres planted –
Soybeans, 51% total GM acres;
Corn, 31% total GM acres;
Cotton, 13%, and
Canola, 5%.
No GM varieties are on the market now for any significant fruit, vegetable or small grain crop.
Herbicide tolerance remains the most common trait, accounting for 63% of global GM-crop acreage. The vast majority of these acres are planted to Roundup Ready crops.
In short, nearly two-thirds of the GM-crop "revolution" has been brought about by a highly successful campaign to use agricultural biotechnology to expand sales of glyphosate herbicide.
Hard Times Ahead for the Brazil and Argentina Ag Sectors
The spectacular rise of soybean production and exports in Argentina and Brazil since the late 1990s has been fueled by the planting of Roundup Ready soybean varieties, coupled with no-till planting systems. The combination of lower-cost RR soybean seeds in South America, lower-cost glyphosate (Roundup herbicide), cheap land, and very low cost labor provided soybean growers in these two countries with a significant competitive advantage.
The U.S. auto industry is not the only victim of the global credit crisis and the collapse of commodity market prices. Aggressive farmers in Brazil and Argentina borrowed heavily in the last decade, amassing huge blocks of land. One farmer in Argentina plants over 50,000 hectares annually. They also bought the modern and expensive machinery needed to cover large areas quickly during the planting and harvest seasons.
But now, a credit crunch has hit, just as global soybean prices are falling. Consider these facts and projections –
Wheat production is likely to fall 37.5% in 2008-2009 in Argentina;
The cost of producing soybeans has risen 80% in just the last few years;
Gross agricultural production will fall about 25% in 2008-2009 in Argentina; and
Soybean production will fall about 10% in Mato Grosso, the major production region in Brazil that accounts for 8% of the total world soybean harvest.
The collapse of soybean production and profitability in South America has been driven by several forces. The efficacy of the Roundup Ready soybean system has steadily declined as a result of new soybean diseases and the emergence of resistant weeds. The cost of the system has increased as a result of new technology fees. Currency shifts have increased the cost of exports.
A last and major hurdle is transportation infrastructure. Parts of Mato Grosso are 1,200 miles from the nearest port. Most soybeans in these countries have to travel several hundred miles to reach a port. It costs $106 per ton of soybeans to transport beans from Brazil's major production region to a port, compared to $30 per ton in the American Midwest.
Of 26 large conventional farmers interviewed recently by Brazil's national development bank, only one has managed to remain current with his agricultural loans, and did so only by selling land.
One farmer bought a combine in 2001 for $220,000 Rias, and another in 2003 for $280,000 Rias. Both were financed. The farmer now owes $800,000 Rias on the two machines because of steep interest rates and has virtually no chance of paying the loans off.
Source: "Brazil farmers lose debt battle" and "Sharp Drop in Argentina wheat output forecast," Financial Times, December 10, 2008
Editor's Note: I was asked in 2002 by the Trade Knowledge Network, a Canadian development organization, to produce an assessment of "lessons learned" from the adoption of Roundup Ready soybeans in the U.S. for the benefit of NGOs, government officials, and scientists involved with the then-rapidly expanding soybean industry in Argentina. I was given an opportunity to travel for a week in Argentina and visited with many farmers, scientists, and government officials. The resulting report is posted on Ag BioTech InfoNet.
In 2005 I wrote a second report on Roundup Ready soybeans in Argentina for Greenpeace International. "Rust, Resistance, Run Down Soils, and Rising Costs – Problems Facing Soybean Producers in Argentina" expanded on the analysis in the 2002 report and addressed impacts on nutrition, land conversion and forest clearing, pesticide use, and the loss of employment opportunities in rural areas. The 2005 report warned of the problems now undermining the viability of Roundup Ready soybeans in South America, and is being made available for those interested in learning more about the underlying causes of the hard times befalling farmers in South America.
Transgenes Found in Mexican Maize Landraces
Research by a team of scientists led by Elena Alvarez-Buylla in Mexico has again found transgenes from Bt corn in local varieties of maize in Mexico. The first paper reporting the presence of transgenes in traditional varieties of Mexican corn was published in Nature in 2001 and triggered a global assault on Dr. Ignacio Chapella, the lead scientist that carried out the initial study.
The new research is published in the journal Molecular Ecology.
Source: "Modified genes spread to local maize," NatureNews, November 12, 2008
Pesticides in Soda Pop in the EU
Researchers looked for pesticide residues in 102 brands of fruit-based soft drinks in Europe, and to their surprise, found residues in 85%, often at levels much higher than the maximum levels allowed in European drinking water.
Eleven samples of U.S. food drink sodas were tested in which no residues were found. The team noted that sodas in the U.S. use artificial fruit flavorings that are less likely to contain pesticide residues.
Source: Chemical and Engineering News, December 8, 2008, p. 29
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The genomes of today's elephants and wooly mammoths that went extinct 10,000 years ago are 99.4% identical. Scientists are contemplating the feasibility of altering elephant DNA over several generations incrementally in an effort to recreate a wooly mammoth.
Source: Chemical and Engineering News, December 8, 2009, p. 3
One in three adults will be officially fat in the U.K. by 2012. From 1992 to 2004, the number of obese men in the U.K. doubled.
Number of countries with a higher rate of obesity than the U.K. – one (the United States).
Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
If current trends continue through 2030, 86.3% of adults in the U.S. will be overweight or obese, with over 51% meeting the definition of obese.
Total health care costs attributed to obesity/overweight will double every decade, reaching just under $1 trillion in 2030.
Source: Wang, Y., et al., "Will all Americans become overweight or obese? Estimating the progression and cost of the US obesity epidemic," Obesity, Vol. 10, October, 2008: p. 2323-30
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"The Organic Green Revolution"By: Tim LaSalle, CEO Rodale InstitutePaul Hepperly, Director of Research, Rodale InstituteAmadou Diop, Director of International Programs, Rodale Institute
[Leaders of the Rodale Institute have recently published a compelling call for action to pursue an organic green revolution. The full text is accessible on the Rodale Institute website; excerpts appear below].
"While feeding the hungry has always been a challenging global issue, the juxtaposition of the food price, fuel price and financial crises of this past year have disproportionately hurt the world's most vulnerable - plunging an additional 77 million people into malnutrition, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Now more than ever before we need a paradigm shift rather than incremental change in the way we grow, buy and eat our food. The Organic Green Revolution provides that needed shift.
Not only can organic agriculture feed the world, according to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in a report released in October, it may be the only way we can solve the growing problem of hunger in developing countries."
"Based upon the heavy use of chemical fertilizers and irrigation, the industrial Green Revolution worked only as long as fuel was cheap and water was abundant. The transitory benefits of increased short-term food production have come at too great an ecological price as carbon is extracted from the soil and emitted as global-warming carbon dioxide in our air instead of remaining in the soil to nurture crops. Petroleum-based fertilizers and chemical pesticides have also polluted our water and poisoned our environment, food, and people.
Fortunately, the latest scientific approaches in organic agriculture, supported by a body of replicated research data and economic analyses, offer affordable and quickly adaptable ways to implement farming systems that can quickly move us out of our current crisis." "With the evidence of the benefits and market viability of organic farming well-established, and the environmental damage from conventional farming so clearly threatening global security, the obvious question is not whether regenerative organic farming can produce yields comparable to conventional agricultural methods. Instead, we must ask, where is the leadership and political will to implement the agricultural policy and practice that can feed the world?"
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Prevention is the Keyword in the 2008 Rachel Carson Memorial Lecture
The need to focus on pest prevention rather than treatments with toxic chemicals was the dominant theme addressed in the 2008 Rachel Carson Memorial Lecture delivered December 4, 2008 in London by the Center's Chief Scientist, Dr. Charles Benbrook.
The presentation thematically wove together three major developments in the world of pest management – the trend toward systemic (inside the plant) pest management technologies, the erosion since the mid-1990s in corn insect Integrated Pest Management as a result of transgenic corn and systemic insecticides, and the role of systemic insecticides in triggering honey bee Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Dr. Benbrook noted four critical elements of sound, safe, and sustainable pest management systems --
Above and below ground biodiversity is critical in suppressing pest populations;
Healthy soils support strong plants and plant defenses;
Multiple pest control tactics should be aimed at several life-stages, leveraged by systematic pursuit of soft-spots; and
Pest management systems should be shaped and driven by ecological principles rather than corporate profit potential.
The lecture's last slide was entitled "Actions Worth a Thousand Words" and highlighted four concrete steps needed to promote prevention-based Integrated Pest Management and better protect the integrity of honey bee hives –
Impose a worldwide moratorium on nicotinyl seed treatments;
Major restrictions should be applied to any pesticide uses routinely killing fish, birds and/or bees;
Germplasm resources must be reclaimed by public institutions and public breeding programs must be reinvigorated; and
Public research investments in organic systems over next 20 years should be comparable to those made in support of genetic engineering technology and applications in the last 20 years.
The lecture slides are available, as is the paper written for the event, "Prevention, not profits, should drive pest management". The paper appears in December 2008 issue of the PAN-UK publication "Pesticide News."
The lecture was well attended and triggered a lively 45 minute Q+A session that covered a broad range of pest management issues. An excerpt from the paper published in "Pesticide News" follows –
"Florida harvested 33,000 acres of sweet corn in 2006, more than any other state. Conventional sweet corn growers in southern states like Florida face a variety of insect pests. Farmers in Florida had to spray, on average, 13 applications of 2.3 different insecticides, amounting to an average of 3.7 pounds of active ingredient per acre, across the 33,000 acres of sweet corn. Almost nine applications were made per acre with the carbamate insecticide methomyl. Very few organisms that move with wings or legs would survive a summer in such a corn field.
Just to the north in the State of Georgia, another leading producer of sweet corn, the average acre was treated 14 times with methomyl. In the southern United States, sweet corn grows rapidly. Most varieties reach maturity in 80-110 days. In years with intense and early fall armyworm pressure, spraying must start at about four weeks after planting. So, in Georgia in 2006, a methomyl application was made every four to five days.
In south-central Florida in 2008, an experienced grower, producing several thousand acres of conventional vegetables and several hundred acres of organic vegetables, harvested 25 acres of organic sweet corn treated only with the natural insecticides Bacillus thuriengensis (Bt) and diamotaceous earth. Moreover, the sweet corn harvested off his organic field was freer of bug damage than most conventional corn in the region.
In the State of Oregon in 2006, about three-quarters of the mostly conventional sweet corn acres were not treated with an insecticide.
Why are a dozen or more applications of relatively toxic, broad-spectrum insecticides required on some fields of sweet corn, while no such insecticides are required on others?
The answer lies in the differences between a "systematic," or integrated approach to pest management, in contrast to management systems dependent on a few control tactics, especially those that are treatment oriented and "systemic" in nature."
The Organic Center Sponsors Seminar at Hollywood Goes Green ConferenceThe Organic Center's Managing Director Steven Hoffman produced and moderated a seminar at the recently held Hollywood Goes Green Conference in Los Angeles. Now in its second year, the conference is targeted at the Hollywood entertainment industry, and how it can be more sustainable and effective as a role model promote broader adoption of organic and green practices. Speakers included Organic Center board member, television host and green lifestyles expert Sara Snow; Evan Kleiman, executive chef and owner of Angeli Caffe in Los Angeles; Cynthia Pasquella, clinical nutritionist to the stars; and Paige Poulos, executive director of the Mendocino Winegrape and Wine Commission. For more information, visit www.hollywoodgoesgreen.com.
Letter to the Editor Accepted
An early-2009 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (JADA) will contain a letter to the editor by Chuck Benbrook and Organic Center consultant, Dr. Chris McCullum-Gomez. The letter responds to an inaccurate and incomplete news brief on a European study comparing the nutrient content of organic and conventional food.
JADA reaches 70,000 subscribers around the world.
The Organic Center Sponsors Two Sessions at the 2009 EcoFarm Conference
The Center helped organize two sessions at the January 22-24, 2008 EcoFarm conference at Asilomar, in Monterey, California. During the "War on Bugs" workshop on Friday, 10:30am-12:30, Will Allen will address the evolution of the war on bugs over the last century. Chuck Benbrook will discuss the impacts and implications of the contemporary trend toward systematic pesticides and genetic engineering technology that strives to get pesticide toxins inside of plants.
On Saturday from 8:30am to 10:00, Dr. John Reganold of Washington State University will join with Chuck Benbrook in a workshop entitled "Why the Science is Starting to Show Benefits for Organic." Dr. Reganold will present results of recent studies at WSU comparing the performance of organic and conventional farming systems, and Chuck will provide an update of recent Organic Center research.
Keep Up with Events by Visiting the Organic Center Blog
Managing Director Steven Hoffman has started an Organic Center blog that will help readers of "The Scoop" stay current on the activities of the Center, events, and other breaking developments.
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Core Truths on the Major Benefits of Organic Food and FarmingCore Truths is a ground breaking compilation of the most current research on organic agriculture. This highly readable and graphically stunning 108-page coffee table book documents the verifiable health and environmental benefits of organic products.
Core Truths includes fascinating research about why:
Organic often tastes better
Organic produce contains, on average, 30 percent higher levels of antioxidants
Organic farming can cut mycotoxin risk by over 50 percent
Organic food dramatically reduces pesticide exposure
Organic farms typically use less energy
Order your copy now! Only $30 (plus $5 shipping and handling in US).Click here for a preview of the book.Click here to order.
Donate $100 Now! Receive Free Copy of Core TruthsBe a part of supporting vital research about the science behind organic. Make a gift of $100 to The Organic Center now, and we'll send you a free, hard-cover copy of our ground-breaking book, Core Truths (a $35 value.)Email Seleyn DeYarus for details.
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Holiday Gifts That Keep On Giving
Holiday shopping is made easy and green. Click through on the banner below and select wonderful holiday gifts and a portion of your purchase will be given to The Organic Center. Great gifts that keep on giving. Happy Holidays!!!

The Organic Center Features Jerry Garcia Artwork
Do you or someone you know love The Grateful Dead? Do you enjoy beautiful original works of art? If so, select a giclee of Jerry Garcia original artwork and benefit The Organic Center. This unique fundraising initiative to benefit The Organic Center is made possible through the generosity of filmmaker Deborah Koons Garcia and features the series, "In the Garden," by the late Jerry Garcia. Individual prints are $250, or get the full series for $1,000. To order your Jerry Garcia art, click here.
The Organic Center's on-line fundraising program - Become a Friend of The Organic Center
We can now accept secure on-line donations with both yearly and monthly giving options. We also have wonderful gifts to say thank you for your support – including a free one-year subscription to Organic Gardening magazine, organic t-shirt, organic tote bag, our book, Core Truths and Dr. Alan Greene's new book, Raising Baby Green. We have many ways to say thank you for supporting our work. For more information
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Our Research –Individuals can support the scientific work of The Organic Center by:
Sharing new information, data, or "Hot Science," email our Chief Scientist
Helping us identify scientists that can contribute to our work, email Chuck Benbrook
Making a contribution, click here
Companies, foundations, or individuals can support work by The Organic Center on a critical issue, or in a specific area through our donor directed research program. Contact Dr. Benbrook for details.Our Outreach and Communication Program –Informed consumers drive the organic marketplace. Help The Organic Center reach consumers with the latest science on the organic benefit by:
Join Mission Organic 2010 as an individual
Distributing or reprinting excerpts from our studies
Making a donation to our communications program
For companies, The Organic Center's Mission Organic Affinity Marketing Partnership Program provides resources and tools to help educate your customers about the personal benefits of organic food and farming. Become part of an effort to grow the U.S. market for organic from 3 percent to 10 percent by 2010.
For more information about our affinity marketing program, email Seleyn DeYarus
Learn more about the health and environmental impacts of Mission Organic 2010
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"The Scoop," is an electronic newsletter published monthly by The Organic Center. For a free subscription, visit www.organic-center.org.
© 2008, The Organic Center. All rights reserved. Permission for reproduction of these materials for educational purposes will be granted by contacting The Organic Center at info@organic-center.org.
Editor: Chuck Benbrook, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, The Organic Center
Design: Karen Lutz Benbrook
Circulation: Matthue DeYarus
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Backed by the world's leading scientists, physicians and scholars, The Organic Center is committed to two goals.1) RESEARCH: providing free, peer-reviewed, credible science that explores the health and environmental benefits of organic agriculture.2) EDUCATION: helping people and organizations access and better understand science that sheds light on the organic benefit.To access free downloads of the latest in organic science, or to Join the Mission, go to: www.organic-center.org.Managing Director: Steven Hoffman Development Director: Seleyn DeYarus
TOC Board Chair: Michelle Goolsby, Consultant to Dean Foods Chair Elect: Mark Retzloff, President, Aurora Organic DairyTreasurer: Mark Retzloff, President, Aurora Organic Dairy Secretary: James White, CEO, Jamba Juice
The Organic CenterP.O. Box 20513Boulder, CO USA 80308tel 303.499.1840fax 419.858.1042www.organic-center.org
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The Scoop

2008-11-12T03:02:00.000-07:00

In This Issue:

Breaking Science
In The News
Do You Know?
Commentary
Events and Presentations
Core Truths
The Art of Giving
Join Mission Organic
About THE SCOOP
About The Organic Center

Low Income Fourth Graders Face Heightened Risk of Diabetes from Too Many Calories, Not Enough Nutrients

A Texas team studied the diets, weight, body mass index, and diabetes risk factors for a cohort of 1,402 fourth graders composed of Mexican American (80%), African American (10%), Asian (5%), and non-Hispanic white children (5%). Nearly 75% of the children lived in households with less than $20,000 income.

Almost half lacked adequate calories in their diet, yet 33% were obese and already, in the 4th grade, 7% had high blood glucose levels. Diets were composed of energy- and calorie-dense foods like cookies, chips, and ice cream, and were low in nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables.

The authors concluded that these children faced a high risk of developing diabetes and were in need of substantial dietary interventions, increasing in particular daily intakes of nutrient-dense foods.

Source: Roberto P. Trevino et al., "Diabetes Risk, Low Fitness, and Energy Insufficiency Levels among Children from Poor Families," Journal of the American Dietetic Association, November, 2008: pages 1846-1853

Editor's Note: Consumption of organic fruits and vegetables would raise by about 30% the levels of critical antioxidants in the diets of these children. Given the difficulty in getting some children to eat fruits and vegetables, it is important to maximize the nutrient content per serving.

The difficulty in procuring ripe, tasty fresh fruits and vegetables (organic or conventional) in the winter months is a major hurdle encountered by many schools. When kids are served pears hard enough to use on the ball field, dried up oranges, or grapes that are on their way to raisin-land, it is no wonder much of the fruit winds up in the trash stream. The food industry needs to develop better ways to provide schools with well-preserved, nutrient dense fruits and vegetables that are tasty yet not over-sweetened.

Common Herbicide Increases Risk of Colon Cancer and Leukemia

A government epidemiological study has established a connection between occupational exposures to the thiocarbamate herbicide EPTC and human cancer. The research is part of the Agricultural Health Study and focused on EPTC applicators in Iowa and North Carolina between 1993 and 1997.

While the team called for further research, they found an association between EPTC exposures and colon cancer and leukemia.

Source: Dana M. van Bemmel et al., "S-Ethyl-N,N-dipropylthiocarbamate Exposure and Cancer Evidence among Male Pesticide Applicators in the Agricultural Health Study: A Prospective Cohort," Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 116, No. 11: pages 1541-1546.

Impressive Benefits Triggered by Organic Farming in Africa Receive Strong UN Endorsement

In the October "The Scoop," we featured a commentary by two United Nations leaders made upon the release of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTD)-United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) report "Organic Agriculture and Food Security in Africa." In this issue, we highlight a few of the report's remarkably strong – and hopeful – scientific findings.

The benefits to organic agriculture were linked to enhancement of five capital assets critical in promoting food security – natural, social, human, physical, and financial.

Multiple studies have shown that yields remain stable, and often rise after conversion to organic agriculture, a finding that "...challenges the popular myth that organic agriculture cannot increase agricultural productivity."

Moreover, organic agriculture is making important, positive contributions to farm incomes and rural economic activity. These benefits could be enhanced, according to the report, by adoption of more supportive policies and development strategies.

USDA Research on the Organic Food Industry Provides Intriguing Insights

The USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS) has released an October 2008 report entitled "Using Vertically Coordinated Relationships to Overcome Tight Supply in the Organic Market." The report is based on an ERS survey of handlers of organic food products in 2004.

The authors note that the growth of organic sales in conventional supermarkets and "box stores" has created shortages in the supply of both ingredients needed to make organic food products, and in various organic product classes.

13% of handlers reported inability to meet market demand, while another 16% reported minor shortages.

44% of handlers found needed ingredients or products in short supply in 2004, especially coffee, soybeans, milk, seeds, corn, and nuts.

By volume, 20% of organic products were imported, while 22% were sourced locally (defined as within a one-hour drive of a manufacturing/processing facility).

The organic sector uses written contracts at a much higher rate than the conventional food system – 44% of volume moving through organic handlers, compared to 26% among conventional handlers. Another 27% of organic volume is based on verbal agreements and commitments.

The study concludes with a discussion of the reasons why close relationships are likely to remain common in the organic food industry as overall sales increase.

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Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo, Inc. Wins Precedent-Setting Lawsuit on Chemical Trespass

On October 8, 2008, the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz filed a major judgment in the case brought by Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo against Western Farm Service. Over the preceding three years, Western Farm Service (WFS) had sprayed organophosphate (OP) insecticides on vegetable crops near fields of organic herbs grown by Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo in the Wilder Ranch State Park.

Residues of the OP insecticides diazinon, dimethoate, and chlorpyrifos were first detected in organic herbs picked and shipped to Whole Foods in 2006, as part of that retailer's routine pesticide testing program. This unexpected finding compelled Jacobs Farm to report the residues to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Since there is no tolerance covering residues of these insecticides in conventional herbs, the crop had to be destroyed, costing Jacobs Farm hundreds of thousands of dollars in crop year 2006, and then again in 2007.

If this incident had involved a major field or vegetable crop like potatoes or tomatoes, the presence of low-level residues of these OP insecticides on organic produce would not have required destruction of the crop, assuming that a legal tolerance is in place for these pesticides in conventional potatoes and tomatoes. But for many specialty crops, including most herbs, there are few tolerances in place, and hence any movement of pesticides onto an organic herb field could trigger heavy financial loses.

When extensive efforts by Jacobs Farm to work with neighboring farmers and WFS to prevent future damage failed, leading to additional loses in 2007, Jacobs Farm decided to turn to the courts to seek damages and relief from this ongoing source of chemical trespass.

A jury found WFS negligent and concluded that this negligence was a "substantial factor in causing harm to Jacobs Farm." Western Farm Service was found guilty of negligence, trespass, and causing a nuisance. Damages of $1 million dollars were awarded to Jacobs Farm, plus attorney's fees and costs associated with the case.

Western Farm Service is still exploring whether to appeal the court's decision. On the one hand, the pesticide industry and conventional growers view this as a potentially significant, precedent-setting case, suggesting that an appeal would be likely. But if unsuccessful, the decision of an appellate court to affirm the court's judgment would lend greater weight to the precedent set by this case.

While a major milestone has passed, we have almost certainly not heard the last word on the Jacobs Farm-WFS case. The issues underlying the court's judgment and damage award are of tremendous economic significance, especially in states where organic and conventional farms often exist in the same valley.

For more on what's at stake, see the commentary "Time to Deal with Pesticide Risks in California's Coastal Communities." An abbreviated version of the commentary appears later in this issue of "The Scoop", and the full commentary is on the Center's website.

"The Problem with [GE] Nutritionally Enhanced Plants"

Dr. David Schubert is a highly regarded molecular biologist focusing on neurological development. He is based at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California and has just published a provocative "Perspective" piece on applications of genetic engineering to enhance the nutrient density of plants in the Journal of Medicinal Food (Vol. 11, No. 4).

Schubert explains why it has been difficult for the biotechnology industry to develop protein-based pharmaceuticals in plants. Problems arise with protein-based plant compounds because of their reactivity, especially their proclivity toward glycosylation. As sugars attach and are cleaved from protein compounds produced in plants, both their metabolism and bioavailability changes, making it very difficult to control doses, predict interactions with drugs or other biologically active secondary plant metabolites, or achieve consistently a desired impact on human health.

On the other hand, Schubert points out that nutritionally-enhanced plants (NEPs) are less subject to such problems and are likely to be viewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS).

But NEPs face their own unique problems, according to Schubert. For example, Golden rice is genetically engineered to produce higher levels of B-carotene (precursor of Vitamin A). Many enzymes are known to alter the form and metabolism of carotenoids like B-carotene, producing the common retinoids – retinol (Vitamin A), retinal, and retinoic acid (RA). Retinal is oxidized to retinoic acid, which is far more active and toxic than Vitamin A.

While low doses of RA play an essential role in neurological development, they can bioaccumulate in fat tissues and plasma, and research has shown that multiple, low doses are more toxic than a single, high dose. Given the importance of RA, its toxicity, and the potential to alter RA levels and forms as a result of genetic engineering, Schubert warns that –
"...excess RA, or RA derivatives are exceedingly dangerous, particularly to infants and during pregnancy...extensive safety testing should be required before the introduction of golden rice as food."

(The most common PMP (Plant-made Pharmaceuticals) crops that have been grown in U.S. field trials are corn, tobacco, and rice. Other crops being investigated include alfalfa, potato, safflower, soybean, sugarcane, and tomato.)

In the case of plants genetically-engineered to produce higher levels of fatty acids like omega 3s or conjugated linoleic acid, Schubert points out that GE-plant transformations can lead to the formation of slightly altered forms of fatty acids, which in turn can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

In other cases, plants expressing markedly elevated levels of certain nutrients, or forms of nutrients, might push periodic intake into the possibly toxic zone. (Recall from past stories in "The Scoop" that most beneficial antioxidants become pro-oxidants at excessively high doses).

While minimally necessary intake levels have been carefully studied for many nutrients, possibly damaging high levels of consumption have received much less attention.

GE Soybeans with Elevated Omega 3 Fatty Acids in the Pipeline

Monsanto has genetically engineered soybeans to increase the level of omega 3 fatty acid. A small, preliminary study carried out at the University of South Dakota found that consumption of the GE-soybeans increased blood omega 3 levels by 4 to 5 percent, enough to reduce the risk of heart attacks by as much as 50%.

Monsanto hopes the new soybeans will be approved for commercial planting by 2011, leading to consumer products in the supermarket by 2012.

Source: Graham Tibbetts, "GM Soya Bean Could Prevent Heart Attacks and Save Fish Stocks," The Telegraph, November 3, 2008

Nutritionally Enhanced GE-Foods Still "Years Away"

A story in the November 3rd Washington Post by Marc Kaufman surveys the prospects for nutritionally enhanced, GE-foods and concludes that such foods are still "years away."

The piece begins with an overview of the generally optimistic, but unfulfilled hopes for nutritionally enhanced GE-foods. Kaufman then describes a purple tomato that has been engineered to express high levels of anthocyanins, the antioxidant compounds that give many fruits and vegetables their deep, rich colors. Genes from snapdragon plants were used to create the purple tomatoes.

Cathie Martin, one of the scientists working on the purple tomato, acknowledges that there are several conventional foods with elevated levels of anthocyanins, in particular dark raspberries and blackberries. The goal, however, is to create a common food like tomatoes with elevated anthocyanins levels so that more people might someday increase their daily intakes of antioxidants. Martin argues that a person could get enough antioxidants for a day by eating one purple tomato, compared to five servings of conventional fruits and vegetables.

Other teams are working to boost the level of resveratrol in grapes and wine, an antioxidant known to help protect heart health and trigger a sense of fullness (often referred to as satiety).

Typically, two or more genes, and/or transcription factors, must be engineered into a food crop to enhance nutritional quality. These more complex genetic modifications can lead to a diversity of unanticipated outcomes, and will require careful study before approval by regulators.

Margaret Mellon, a molecular biologist working for the Union of Concerned Scientists, expresses skepticism that the biotechnology industry will be able to deliver on its promise to create nutritionally-enhanced foods. She states that – "Clearly, genetically engineered fruits and vegetables for nutritional benefits has proven far more difficult than the industry expected."

Editor's Note: Consumers hoping to boost their antioxidant intakes do not have to wait for purple tomatoes, nor does the food industry need GE-technology to dramatically boost antioxidant nutrient density in common, conventional fruits and vegetables.

Our research shows that a well-managed, long-term organic farm will produce fruits and vegetables that are, on average, about 30% higher in total antioxidants. By choosing from the dozens of fruits and vegetables that are naturally high in antioxidants, and then buying organic, consumers can easily meet and exceed their daily need for around 3,500 ORAC units, a goal for daily antioxidant intakes put forth by scientists at Tufts University.

See our antioxidant "State of Science Review," and especially Table 2, where 37 foods are listed that deliver 1,000 or more ORAC units per serving. Wild blackberries, a super-rich source of anthocyanins, contain 13,353 ORAC units per 1 cup serving – more than three-times a person's daily needs.

Check out the table to learn which ten foods deliver 100 or more ORAC units per calorie consumed. Just a 35 calorie portion of these foods delivers a person's daily dose of antioxidants.

One other important point is relevant to the notion of a single purple tomato meeting one's daily needs for antioxidants. Scientists agree that everyone should consume several antioxidant rich foods every day.

For optimal health benefits, choose fruits and vegetables with multiple colors and flavors. Spread out the consumption of these nutrient-rich foods throughout the day. A greater portion of the nutrients in fruits and vegetables are likely to be taken up by your body when consumed in this way.

A diverse pattern of consumption of nutrient-dense foods throughout the day, encompassing multiple colors, will help assure stable levels of antioxidants in your bloodstream, where they are needed to protect against cell damage triggered by reactive oxygen species, otherwise known as free radicals.

New Research Raises Questions about Bt Corn and Honey Bee Colony Collapse Disorder

While the two Bt toxins engineered into Bt corn are not directly toxic to bees, scientists have begun to explore the indirect impacts of exposure to these toxins. One team has found that exposure to the Cry 1Ab endotoxin in Bt corn can alter the learning behavior of bees, as they associate odors with nectar sources.

Scientists active in the field are focusing on corn as a potential cause of Colony Collapse Disorder, particularly in Europe. Some speculate that the Bt toxins in GM-corn are having some subtle effect, perhaps in conjunction with the nicotinyl insecticides used as corn seed treatments.

Source: R. Ramierez-Romeo et al., "Does Cry1Ab protein affect learning performances of the honey bee Apis mellifera L.," Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Vol. 70: 327-333.

Editor's Note: For several months the Center has been working on the potential for organic farming to enhance bee health. We hope to release later this fall our first report on this subject. Look for some surprising insights into the likely causes of colony collapse disorder.

Marsh Supermarkets Switching to 100% Organic Apples and Pears

The Indianapolis-based Marsh Supermarkets chain has shifted its entire bulk apple and pear categories to certified organic fruit. March operates 99 markets, plus five O'Malia's Food Markets in Indiana and Ohio.

The organic fruit will be offered at the same price as conventional fruit. Much of the organic fruit will be sourced in Washington State.

Source: Sustainable Food News, October 23, 2008

Editor's Note: Great strides have been made in Washington State in building up the acreage and efficiencies in organic tree fruit production. Several new and/or expanded packing sheds are now 100% dedicated to organic.

One of the positive outcomes brought about by recent industry growth is the ability of a regional chain like Marsh to offer organic apples and pears at prices comparable to conventional fruit.

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The number of hungry people in sub-Saharan Africa has increased 20% since 1990. One-third of Kenyans were undernourished in 2000-2002.

In Uganda and Tanzania, less than one kilogram of fertilizer is applied on the average hectare of cropland.

The first $300 bag of seed corn will be sold this winter, for planting in 2009. The approximate 80,000 seeds in the bag will plant about three acres of corn, at a cost of roughly $100 per acre.

The seed corn will contain four to eight traits added through genetic engineering: two or more to make the corn herbicide-tolerant, and two or more to combat insects. Plus, the corn will be treated with a systemic insecticide seed treatment posing risks to bees.

In the 1970s farmers spent $15.00 to $20.00 per acre for seed corn.

An estimated one-half of the water used for irrigated agriculture worldwide is drawn from non-renewable resources.

It is common for water tables to fall 10 feet per year in areas with extensive irrigation.

Dow AgroSciences created 350 new research, development, and commercialization positions in 2008 to support aggressive goals for growth in seeds and pesticides.

California has adopted a new State-wide program designed to cut CO2 emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. The program will create 400,000 new jobs and increase the California economy by an estimated $76 billion per year, through greater economic efficiencies.

The EPA has approved methyl iodide as a replacement for methyl bromide, despite clear evidence that it is neurotoxic, irritates lungs, suppresses thyroid hormones, alters gene expression and damages DNA, and is a possible human carcinogen.

Fifty-four scientists, including five Nobel laureates and dozens of members of the National Academy of Sciences, sent the EPA a letter in 2007 arguing against approval of methyl iodide because of significant risks to farm workers and those living near treated fields.

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Comments on the 2009 Reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Programs and WIC

Excerpts of the Center 's October 13, 2008 comments to the USDA on the reauthorization of the WIC program.

The full comments are posted on the Center's website

We strongly support reauthorization and strengthening of the Child Nutrition Programs and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). These programs have met a vital need and will no doubt continue to provide essential assistance to some of the nation's most vulnerable, especially if the current recession proves deep and long-lasting.

In the reauthorization process, we urge the Department to continue moving toward more flexibility and choice, as well as a more significant role for state and local agencies involved in program implementation...

The general nutritional goals and requirements of WIC and other nutrition programs should be established at the federal level. We strongly support the already announced decision to include fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains in the 2009 WIC program. Many states are already working on how to incorporate these critical food groups in the WIC program in the most cost-effective way.

We are aware that hundreds of mothers in many states have participated in focus groups discussing changes in the WIC program. We are told that somewhere between a quarter and two-thirds of the mothers at most focus groups expressed a need for, and support the opportunity to choose organic foods and beverages bearing the USDA National Organic Program seal, especially for dairy products and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Why Organic Food Belongs in the WIC Program

In the 1980s concern emerged among toxicologists and pesticide regulatory scientists over the human developmental risks posed by pesticides. At that time, nearly all aspects of pesticide regulation were based on laboratory experiments carried out with healthy, adult rats and mice. In 1989 the Environmental Protection Agency asked the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to carry out a thorough assessment of the risks posed by pesticide to pregnant women, infants, and children, and the adequacy of then-current pesticide regulatory policies. In 1993 the NAS released the widely acclaimed report Pesticides in the Diets of Infants and Children.

The report explained that infants and children are not just little adults, and that they face unique risks when exposed to certain pesticides, especially during critical windows of development...

While most WIC mothers do not know which foods or pesticides pose the greatest risk, or why, their desire to avoid exposures for themselves and their families is easy to understand, as is their interest in purchasing organic food through the WIC program.

Compelling research carried out by Dr. Chensheng (Alex) Lu and colleagues at the University of Washington and Emory University over the past six years shows that serving organic food and beverages to children, especially fruit and vegetable-based products, is the surest way to essentially eliminate risky dietary exposures. Their research has focused on the high-risk class of insecticides called the organophosphates, and their findings are published in three seminal research reports in Environmental Health Perspectives (Lu et al., "Dietary Intake and Its Contribution to Longitudinal Organophosphorus Pesticide Exposure in Urban/Suburban Children," published online 1/15/2008; Lu, et al., "Organic Diets Significantly Lower Children's Dietary Exposure to Organophosphorus Pesticides," Vol. 114, No. 2, 2005; and Curl et al., "Organophosphorus pesticide exposure of urban and suburban preschool children with organic and conventional diets," Vol. 111, No. 3, March, 2003).

In an analysis encompassing most major children's foods, we reached essentially the same conclusion by analyzing the impact of an organic diet on pesticide dietary risk levels... Switching to organic food reduces pesticide risks, as measured by the Dietary Risk Index, by over 95%.

...We have issued reports in the last two years drawing on the growing number of published studies comparing organic and conventional foods that conclude that organic production systems, on average, produce food that is more nutrient and antioxidant-dense. The typically higher level of plant secondary metabolites and polyphenols in organic fruits and vegetables helps explain why organic produce is, on average, tastier than conventionally grown produce...

The case for including organic milk and dairy products in the WIC and other nutrition programs is particularly compelling. Milk is obviously the most important single food in the diets of most infants and children. Organic dairy farmers are required by NOP regulations to provide access to pasture for their cows during the months of the year when weather supports pasture growth. Numerous studies have shown consistently and conclusively that cows consuming 30% or more of their daily dry matter intake from pasture produce milk that is higher in protein and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a heart-healthy fat that plays important roles in development.

A recent study published in the biomedical literature found that mothers with a high proportion of dairy intake from an organic origin (>90 percent organic dairy) have higher levels of rumenic acid in their breast milk. Rumenic acid is responsible for most of the health benefits of CLA from pasture-produced milk. Another recent study in the British Journal of Nutrition reported that consumption of organic dairy products was associated with lower risk of eczema in the first two years of life (Kummeling et al., Consumption of organic foods and risk of atopic disease during the first 2 years of life in the Netherlands," British Journal of Nutrition, 2007).

...mothers are on solid ground in expecting over time a nutritional premium from the routine purchase of organic milk and dairy products.

In addition to the nutrition premium associated with organic dairy products, cows on organic farms are not administered supplemental hormones to increase production. They are not given antibiotics to treat mastitis and other common infections, nor antimicrobial feed supplements to help them tolerate high-energy, high-grain rations deficient in fiber and forages (the "natural" feed of ruminant animals). They are not given reproductive hormones to increase the success rate when artificial insemination is used for breeding...

Avoiding exposures to food additives and artificial colors is another reason to provide WIC mothers the option to purchase certified organic food and beverages. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the artificial food dyes approved for use in food by the Food and Drug Administration are exacerbating behavioral problems, especially hyperactivity, among children and adolescents. The U.K. Food Standards Agency has asked food companies to voluntarily end use of the six artificial food colorings approved for use in the U.K., because of the evidence that removal of the colors reduces the severity of behavioral problems in many children.

By choosing to serve children organic foods, mothers and school systems can dramatically reduce the daily intake of food additives, a clearly positive, preventive step that will help reduce the number of school-age children afflicted with hyperactivity and other behavioral problems. It turns out that teachers are right -- good nutrition is, in fact, a pillar of sound education policy.

The Organic Price Premium

Given the goals of the WIC program and the reality that WIC funds are limited relative to need for the program, efforts have been made to seek out and approve those staple foods that deliver the most calories per dollar spent. The generally higher cost per serving of most of organic food will limit the quantity of a given food that a mother can purchase with a fixed WIC allotment. The same economic calculus applies to other USDA nutrition programs, although the premium tends to be smaller when organic foods are purchased in bulk.

The generally higher nutrient density in organic foods, coupled with the near-absence of pesticide, hormone, and food additive risks, justify a higher price for organic food. But how much? No one can say with certainty because we lack the science and methods needed to estimate the magnitude of the economic benefits from consumption of organic food. Plus, such calculations will be highly circumstantial and variable, and require lifelong and indeed multi-generational health monitoring and data collection.

Despite uncertainty about the magnitude of the benefits stemming from consumption of organic food, some mothers have decided that organic food is a worthwhile investment in their children's well-being. The conscious choice to seek out organic food, even when it costs more, reflects a commitment by mothers to provide their children with the highest quality food possible and the safest path through the critical early years of development.

Given the breadth of evidence in support of a range of benefits from consumption of organic food, the Department would need compelling reasons to prohibit mothers from purchasing organic foods through the WIC program. In particular, the Department would need to explain why mothers should not be free to choose a somewhat smaller quantity of what they regard as higher-quality food.

We believe the USDA should work to cultivate in Americans an appreciation of and desire for high quality food, coupled with the need for a more balanced diet. The WIC and other nutrition programs can do both through its educational activities and outreach services and by providing freedom to choose organic products for those who wish to purchase them.

"Time to Deal with Pesticide Risks in California's Coastal Communities"
By Charles Benbrook, Chief Scientist, The Organic Center

[Excerpts of the full commentary follow]

A Santa Cruz jury recently returned a verdict that secures a brighter future for organic farming in California, and perhaps over time, if adopted as precedent, throughout the United States. The jury found that a commercial pesticide applicator, Western Farm Service, had an obligation to prevent toxic pesticides from drifting after application with wind and fog onto Jacobs Farm's organic crops in Wilder Ranch State Park. While Jacobs Farm was the clear winner in this case, press coverage of the trial and its conclusions missed the main significance of the jury's decision.

This case was about the Golden Rule. Federal pesticide law and regulations place considerable burden on pesticide applicators – whether a farmer or a commercial company like WFS – to prevent off target movement of applied pesticides. One of the goals in setting forth this clear-cut responsibility is to prevent "economic damage" to surrounding personal property, including crops on nearby farms (whether organic or conventional), trees and shrubs in a homeowner's yard, or other property, such as honey bees used as pollinators.

Applicators of pesticides need to assume responsibility when using toxic materials to prevent such damage. In this case, Western Farm Service was told that their use of organophosphate insecticides was unintentionally damaging the crops on Jacobs Farm by rendering them unmarketable. Whether intentional or not, if a pesticide applicator becomes aware that a particular use of a pesticide is damaging a neighbor's crop, the applicator must take steps to understand why and prevent future damage. In this case, the applicator failed this test...

...Western Farm Service knew that the fog was moving its chemicals off of the crops it treated, and it did nothing to prevent or address that movement onto nearby organic crops.

The company clearly did not meet its obligations in this case. The legal defense put forth by attorneys for Western Farm Service points to a hole in pesticide regulatory law and polices – ignoring the well-known fact that coastal fog can carry pesticides off target and deposit them where they do not belong. This hole exposes both people and crops in coastal California to serious risk of harm from fog-borne pesticides...

The pesticides in question here are some of the most toxic known to man. If state and county government agencies are going to allow the ongoing use of organophosphates, regulators and applicators must find a way to do so that does not endanger the general public or contaminate neighboring crops. As established in this lawsuit, the State code governing lawful applications of pesticides must be changed to encompass off target movement caused by volatization and fog.

...This case will likely trigger a series of legal maneuvers and attempts to change pesticide regulatory policy. The underlying question, however, is whether our laws and public policies should turn a blind eye to a recurrent problem, or confront and solve the problem head on. As the process unfolds, hopefully the general public, especially those living in coastal communities, will have a chance to weigh in on this central question.

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"The Science of Organics" Session Draws a Big Crowd at the ADA Meeting

The annual meeting of the American Dietetic Association drew over 10,000 people to Chicago in late October. A session held October 27th was entitled "The Science of Organics: Nourishing the Land, Animals, and People." Dr. Chris McCullum-Gomex moderated the session and presentations were made by the Center's Chief Scientist Chuck Benbrook and by Helen Costello, an organic farmer and registered dietitian (RD).

Despite dozens of competing sessions and an active trade floor, over 500 people filled the meeting room to the point the fire marshal closed the doors. Some 200 people listened from out in the hall. Helen Costello asked the audience to raise their hand if a patient had asked them a question about organic food in the last few months. Over 75% of the hands went up in the room.

A lively and positive Q&A session reflected a high level of interest in learning more about what organic food and farming has to contribute to a healthier diet and lifestyle.

A fact-filled "Organic Q&A" brochure done by Organic Valley was distributed during the meeting and was the focus of many interesting exchanges.

We have posted the two presentations and the "Organic Q&A on the Center's website. Email Dr. Benbrook to receive a copy of his presentation in Powerpoint.

The Center would like to extend a "thank you" to Susan Roberts, Director of the Food and Society Policy Fellowship, for organizing and proposing the session to the ADA.

Mark your calendar for a gala evening in Hollywood when The Organic Center presents its West Coast fundraiser and gourmet organic reception on Dec. 9, 2008, 6:30 – 9:30 pm, at the Hilton Los Angeles Hotel in Universal City. Tickets to the evening fundraiser and reception are $125 per person. Visit www.organic-center.org or call 303.499.1840 to purchase tickets. The Organic Center will also present a seminar on organic and the influence of Hollywood during the Hollywood Goes Green Conference, held Dec. 8-9, 2008 at the Hilton Los Angeles Hotel. For information, visit www.hollywoodgoesgreen.com.

"Living Soil, Food Quality, and the Future of Food" Session at the AAAS Annual Meeting

The Center organized with Preston Andrews of Washington State University a 90-minute symposium that will be part of the 2009 annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The session will be held February 13, 2009 at 8:30am. The focus will be on the impacts of long-term organic management on soil quality and food nutrient density. The AAAS meeting will be held February 12-16, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Jerry Glover of The Land Institute will present a paper entitled "Crops, Roots, and Soil Biological Processes: Synergistic Interactions." Preston Andrews will cover fruit and vegetable crop responses to soil management. Alyson Mitchell of U.C. Davis will present on the topic "Nutrient Dense Foods: Phytochemicals and Health Benefits."

The Organic Center Sponsors Two Sessions at the 2009 EcoFarm Conference

The Center helped organize two sessions at the January 22-24, 2008 EcoFarm conference at Asilomar, in Monterey, California. During the "War on Bugs" workshop on Friday, 10:30am-12:30, Will Allen will address the evolution of the war on bugs over the last century. Chuck Benbrook will discuss the impacts and implications of the contemporary trend toward systematic pesticides and genetic engineering technology that strives to get pesticide toxins inside of plants.

On Saturday from 8:30am to 10:00, Dr. John Reganold of Washington State University will join with Chuck Benbrook in a workshop entitled "Why the Science is Starting to Show Benefits for Organic." Dr. Reganold will present results of recent studies at WSU comparing the performance of organic and conventional farming systems, and Chuck will provide an update of recent Organic Center research.

Keep Up with Events by Visiting the Organic Center Blog

Managing Director Steven Hoffman has started an Organic Center blog that will help readers of "The Scoop" stay current on the activities of the Center, events, and other breaking developments.

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Core Truths on the Major Benefits of Organic Food and Farming

Core Truths is a ground breaking compilation of the most current research on organic agriculture. This highly readable and graphically stunning 108-page coffee table book documents the verifiable health and environmental benefits of organic products.

Core Truths includes fascinating research about why:

Organic often tastes better
Organic produce contains, on average, 30 percent higher levels of antioxidants
Organic farming can cut mycotoxin risk by over 50 percent
Organic food dramatically reduces pesticide exposure
Organic farms typically use less energy
Order your copy now! Only $30 (plus $5 shipping and handling in US).
Click here for a preview of the book.
Click here to order.

Donate $100 Now! Receive Free Copy of Core Truths

Be a part of supporting vital research about the science behind organic. Make a gift of $100 to The Organic Center now, and we'll send you a free, hard-cover copy of our ground-breaking book, Core Truths (a $35 value.)

Email Seleyn DeYarus for details.

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The Organic Center Features Jerry Garcia Artwork

Do you or someone you know love The Grateful Dead? Do you enjoy beautiful original works of art? If so, select a giclee of Jerry Garcia original artwork and benefit The Organic Center. This unique fundraising initiative to benefit The Organic Center is made possible through the generosity of filmmaker Deborah Koons Garcia and features the series, "In the Garden," by the late Jerry Garcia. Individual prints are $250, or get the full series for $1,000. To order your Jerry Garcia art, click here.

The Organic Center's on-line fundraising program - Become a Friend of The Organic Center

We can now accept secure on-line donations with both yearly and monthly giving options. We also have wonderful gifts to say thank you for your support – including a free one-year subscription to Organic Gardening magazine, organic t-shirt, organic tote bag, our book, Core Truths and Dr. Alan Greene's new book, Raising Baby Green. We have many ways to say thank you for supporting our work.

Energy Efficiency

2008-11-12T02:58:00.000-07:00

Energy Efficiency

The Problem: Millions of dollars and enormous amounts of energy are wasted each year simply because our homes and businesses aren’t as energy-efficient as they could be. Meanwhile, our demand for electricity is expected to grow by over 25% in the next two decades.¹

The Solution: To make the most out of the energy we currently produce, America needs a national efficiency upgrade. Make new buildings more efficient, upgrade old buildings to save energy, and update our appliances and equipment to use less energy and perform the same or more functions than they do now.

The Benefits: Energy efficiency is where the greatest and most immediate gains can be made. Household and commercial building efficiency can increase by 30% with existing technologies – an upgrade that will save the typical homeowner $450 dollars a year on utility bills.² Improving devices that use power in “stand-by” mode alone would save consumers $3 billion per year.³ These improvements will drive economic growth. Many efficiency upgrades will pay for themselves in just a year or two. The result will be more comfortable and valuable homes and buildings, lower utility bills, and tens of thousands of new jobs as we retrofit existing buildings to be more efficient and manufacture more American products that use less energy.

How We Get There

Implement government policies and programs that quickly improve efficiency in all sectors of our economy. There are clear examples of the enormous financial and technical benefits of investing in efficiency. What’s needed now is a systematic approach to achieve such savings across the board, so that ALL businesses and homeowners can start realizing savings. This should be a massive mobilization that will involve utilities and their regulators; equipment and appliance manufacturers and installers; and homeowners, business operators and landlords across the nation. Lights, air conditioning, heaters, appliances, computers, electronics, water heaters, motors, fans – each of these technology categories can perform its function and consume 20%-70% less energy (and much more, in some cases). Plus, with every successive generation of new products, more savings can be achieved. It's about an ongoing economy-wide effort to make every home and every building – along with every item inside those homes and buildings – more efficient.

New Scoop

2008-10-15T17:17:00.000-06:00

In This Issue:

Breaking Science
In The News
Do You Know?
Commentary
Events and Presentations
Core Truths
The Art of Giving
Join Mission Organic
About THE SCOOP
About The Organic Center

New Insights on How Parathion Impacts the Developing Brain

Intriguing new insights have emerged on how the organophosphate (OP) insecticide parathion impairs neurological development, and how these impacts can alter behavior throughout life. The NIH-funded research team analyzed the developmental impacts of parathion in a rat study, and learned that parathion exposures –

Alter brain development in several ways and regions, and differently than other OPs;
Adverse effects are observed at doses below those that cause observable systemic toxicity;
Impact males more significantly than females; and
Elicit more serious impacts at lower doses in some regions of the brain.
In one of the more intriguing findings of the study, the team reported that low-level exposure to parathion at critical stages of development impair the role of the brain in sexual differentiation, and as a result, adult males become more female like in their behaviors, and vice versa. Moreover, they found that female rats were better able to repair the damage caused by early-life exposures to parathion in terms of sexual differentiation and behavior. The possible implications of these findings in humans were not discussed.

Source: Theodore A. Slotkin et al., "Exposure of Neonatal Rats to Parathion Elicits Sex-Selective Impairment of Acetylcholine Systems in Brain Regions during Adolescence and Adulthood," Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 116, No. 10, pages 1308-1314

Editor's Note: Nearly every issue of "The Scoop" features a new study in EHP on how pesticides can alter development and impair health. This month's new study builds on an already compelling body of recent science that proves that low-level exposures to OP insecticides pose serious developmental risks.

Fortunately in the U.S., most food uses of parathion, and its cousin methyl parathion, have been curtailed or ended by the EPA in the course of implementing the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). The bad news is that parathion residues, along with several other high-risk OPs, remain common, especially in imported foods. Implementation of the FQPA got off to a slow start after passage in 1996, and ran aground with the election of President Bush.

While there is always something to be learned from scientists delving deeper into why and how chemicals like the OPs impair development, surely enough is now known to justify ending dietary exposures to this class of insecticides. The talented scientists that have, over the last decade, so patiently and thoroughly built the case proving the adverse developmental effects of the OPs need to turn their attention and skills to the nicotinyl insecticides that are now found as frequently in several foods as the OPs were 15 years ago.

Scientists Highlight Uncertainty in the Path to Sustainable Biofuels

Twenty-three scientists working for over a dozen universities and institutions authored a "Policy Forum" piece in the October 3, 2008 issue of Science magazine on how to make biofuel production "sustainable." The team acknowledge that more than 30% of the 2008 corn crop is going to be used to make ethanol, and that this percent is not likely to fall for at least a decade.

They see continued commitment to grain-based ethanol because of generous government subsidies and the mandate for biofuels production, despite clear evidence that current ethanol production systems cause environmental harm.
Remarkably, they state that –

"Globally, to produce an important amount of energy with biofuels will require a large amount of land – perhaps as much as is in row-crop agriculture today. This will change the landscape of Earth, not just the United States..."

The team sees the greatest long-term potential for sustainable biofuel production in diversified perennial cropping systems. They also argue for significant research investments and substantial policy reforms in order to "...chart a low-carbon economy that is substantially better than business as usual."

Source: G. Philip Robertson et al., "Sustainable Biofuels Redux," Science, Vol. 322, pages 49-50.

Berries and Brightly Colored Fruits Top the Antioxidant Chart

A team of Cornell University scientists subjected 25 fruits to a series of tests of antioxidant content and cellular activity. Wild and domesticated blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, strawberries, and pomegranates topped the various lists in varying orders. All brightly colored fruits scored very well in all measures used in the study.

Across all fruits in the diet, apples were found to provide 33% of total phenolics, reflecting very high consumption and moderate phenolics content. Oranges provided 12%, grapes 12.8%, and strawberries, 9.8%.

In urging increased consumption of nutrient-dense, brightly colored fruits and vegetables, the team cited the latest report from the USDA's Economic Research Service on fruit and vegetable intakes. The ERS reports that Americans are still lagging in terms of fruit and vegetable intake. On average in 2005, we consumed 0.9 cups of fruit per day, instead of the 2.0 cups (four servings) recommending in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. And we consumed 1.7 cups of vegetables, instead of the recommended 2.5 cups (five servings), based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

The authors conclude (cautiously) that –
"Antioxidant activity provided by fruits may be important in the prevention of cancer and other chronic diseases."

Source: Kelly L. Wolfe et al., "Cellular Antioxidant Activity of Common Fruits," Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Vol. 56, No. 18, pages 8419-8426.

Editor's Note: In the Center's second State of Science Review (SSR) on antioxidants, we analyzed differences in the antioxidant activity of organic and conventional foods, concluding that organic food contains, on average, 30% more antioxidants per gram or per serving.

The antioxidant SSR contains a Table 2 (see page 14-15) that ranks over 65 common foods by antioxidant activity per calorie consumed. In assessing the ability of a food to promote human health, the metric "total antioxidant activity per calorie consumed" is as close as one can come to the miles-per-gallon rating of car energy efficiency.

This widely used Table in our antioxidant SSR is especially valuable for people looking to increase antioxidant intake while consuming fewer calories.

Will GE Technology Produce Drought Resistant Crops?

Michigan State researchers have discovered a gene that plays a role in drought resistance. They also report a role for the cell's endoplasmic reticulum in the regulation of the new drought gene. A member of the research team is quoted as saying –

"We're finding that heat tolerance is a more complex process than was first thought."

A Canadian research company, Performance Plants, Inc. is promising up to 40% higher corn and canola yields from its GE-drought resistance technology, and claims new GE-crops will be ready for commercial adoption in four years.

Drought resistant crops are one of the primary new technologies cited in support of Monsanto's bullish projections of gross profits in 2012. The company expects to earn profits between $9.5 billion and $9.8 billion that year.

Sources: "Drought Resistant GM Crops Ready 'in Four Years',"The Guardian and "Seed and herbicide sales bolster Monsanto," Forbes.com.

Editor's Note: Plant breeders have worked for years to enhance the ability of plants to withstand drought. It is widely recognized that drought tolerance is a complex, multi-gene trait, and that plants respond to excessive heat and drought in a variety of ways. The tools of genetic engineering are now being used to identify genes involved in the drought response process, and the seed industry is keen to exploit newly discovered genes in producing a new generation of drought tolerant plants.

But challenges remain. Plants with heightened capacity to withstand drought are often not able to respond as quickly or fully to more favorable growing conditions. Breeders will almost certainly be able to add new genes, or accentuate expression of existing genes with a role in drought response, but in doing so, other aspects of a plant's response to environmental conditions or pests may be altered, as might crop composition and nutritional quality. (e.g. becoming especially susceptible and attractive to herbivorous insects)

Plant breeding is one way to improve crop performance in regions subject to drought. Improving soil quality is another, since soils higher in organic matter and less subject to compaction take in scarce water more quickly and tend to hold more water for a longer period. Plus, improvements in soil quality deliver other benefits ranging from more nitrogen and micro-nutrients to greater nutrient density in harvested foods. Investments in capturing and making better use of limited rainfall, or water used for irrigation, is another area that often will deliver sustained benefits.

As with other areas of agricultural biotechnology, there is a considerable dose of hype and wishful thinking in recent pronouncements that drought-resistant crops are around the corner and will, single-handedly, dramatically improve yields. Such an outcome is extremely unlikely. Increasing yields on a sustained basis in drought-prone regions is going to require progress on many fronts and a systematic effort to deal with how water moves through an ecosystem. Those who claim that genetic engineering can, by itself, overcome the impacts of drought on yields, especially in the developing world, set the stage for disappointment and postpone investments in initiatives with a surer chance of success.

Nitrogen Fertilizer Dilutes Antioxidant Levels in Fresh Basil

In the first study exploring the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilization levels on the antioxidant and phenolics content of fresh basil, a classic inverse dose-response curve was found by a team of Texas scientists. For most cultivars tested, the higher the N level, the lower the density of antioxidants and polyphenols.

Remarkably, the concentrations of some beneficial phenolics acids were four times higher at the lowest rate of nitrogen application, compared to the highest rate of N use. In two of three varieties tested, total antioxidant activity was 2- to 5-times higher at lower levels of N, compared to the high-N plots.

Source: Phuong M. Nguyen and Emily D. Niemeyer, "Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization on the Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)," Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Vol. 56, No. 18, pages 8685-8691.

Nutrition Making a Comeback on the Agenda of Some Plant Breeders

Some fruit and vegetable breeders are heeding the call for greater attention on nutrient density, as opposed to high yields and the capacity of produce to ship long distances.

Echoing themes addressed in the Center's report "Still No Free Lunch," the lead horticulturist with the W. Atlee Burpee Co. is quoted as saying –

"Before, they were breeding for higher yields, stronger plants, produce easier to ship and more ornamental in appearance. Now, they're looking at improvements in flavor and smell, in addition to more nutrients. Enriching the colors is attached to nutritive value."

Source: Associated Press, October 2, 2008.

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Artificial Dyes and Hyperactivity in Children Back in the News

The October 13, 2008 L.A. Times reports on mounting science strengthening the connection between artificial food colors and hyperactive behavior in children. The improvement in behavior when dyes are removed from children's diets is great enough in some cases to convince parents to take their children off Ritalin. The piece by Melinda Fulmer is titled "Do food dyes affect kids' behavior?"

There are nine artificial colors approved for use by the FDA. A 2007 study in the Lancet, a top medical journal, showed that exposures to artificial dyes increased hyperactivity in children, both among young people already displaying hyperactive behavior and children never before displaying such behaviors.

The U.K. government has asked the food industry to voluntarily remove the dyes from foods, and most are complying. Kellogg has removed the dyes from Nutri-Grain cereal bars sold in the U.K., but not those sold in the U.S.

The science supporting FDA's approval of the nine dyes is 30 to 50 years old. In support of approval of the dyes, the FDA cites on its website a 1982 consensus report by the National Institutes of Health.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest has petitioned the FDA to add warning labels on products containing the dyes.

Comment by Dr. Alan Greene, Chairperson, The Organic Center Board: Recent studies raise serious alarm over not just artificial food colors, but also other classes of food additives. We also are learning more about food additive-drug and food additive-chemical interactions. Progress in sequencing the human genome has shown that some children are far more sensitive than others to the behavioral impacts of food additives and other chemicals in food.

The opportunity to avoid most exposures to artificial dyes and food additives is one of the most important but least appreciated benefits of a diet composed of organic foods and beverages. I always council parents to choose organic foods for their children and to increase the portion of their diet composed of whole, fresh foods and only lightly processed organic foods. This is the best strategy to assure kids get the nutrients they need and avoid food additives and chemicals that can trigger serious and sometimes life-long problems.

Michael Pollan's Appeal for Sun Food

In an extraordinary "Letter to the 'Farmer in Chief" published in the New York Times Sunday Magazine on October 12th, Michael Pollan ties together three currents of change that could transform the U.S. food system –

The end of cheap energy and excessive reliance on fossil fuels in farming and food distribution systems;
Emerging demand for nutritious, higher quality foods that will eventually phase out the era of cheap and empty calories, helping to lower health care costs and improve well being; and
The need to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions and enhance environmental quality will force farmers toward sustainable and organic farming systems that rely on the sun rather than petrochemicals.
Some excerpts from this lengthy piece reflect its scope and power –

"...with a suddenness that has taken us all by surprise, the era of cheap and abundant food appears to be drawing to a close."

"...when we eat from the industrial-food system, we are eating oil and spewing greenhouse gases."

"...the core idea could not be simpler: we need to wean the American food system off its heavy 20th-century diet of fossil fuel and put it back on a diet of contemporary sunshine."

"This focus on quantity may have made sense in a time of food scarcity, but today it gives us a school-lunch program that feeds chicken nuggets and Tater Tots to overweight and diabetic children."

"Your [the new President] symbolically most resonant step in building a new American food culture...is this: tear out five prime south-facing acres of the White House lawn and plant in their place an organic fruit and vegetable garden."

"Cheap food is food dishonestly priced – it is in fact unconscionably expensive."

And perhaps Pollan's most provocative and blunt statement –

"You cannot expect to reform the health care system, much less expand coverage, without confronting the public-health catastrophe that is the modern American diet."

Editor's Comment: It is interesting to contrast Pollan's manifesto for food system change with similar "big picture" statements recently released by the biotech industry. While corporate agribusiness and Pollan agree on many of the problems with the American food system, their recommended solutions differ as night from day.

Pollan's basic prescription for getting agriculture moving in a healthier direction is both simple and sound. Farming systems that efficiently use sun and soil are less reliant on fossil fuels, and many produce more food calories than they consume in energy calories. If the new "Farmer in Chief" decides to seriously take on Pollan's action agenda, the nation will benefit greatly from the good work and wisdom gained by organic farmers and food companies.

USDA Lowering Crop Insurance Rates for Farmers Planting GM Crops

The Department of Agriculture has expanded a 2008 pilot program and will be offering corn farmers a $3.00 per acre cut in crop insurance rates for fields planted to GM corn in crop season 2009.

In order to qualify, farmers must plant at least 75% of their corn to a qualifying variety of Bt corn from Monsanto, Pioneer, Syngenta, or Dow AgroSciences.

Source: Reuters, August 19, 2008.

Editor's Note: The reduction in crop insurance rates for Bt-corn is justified, according to the USDA, by the reduction in risk of above- and below-ground insect damage to corn hybrids expressing the Bt gene for control of the European corn borer and/or corn rootworm.

The principle behind this policy decision is that farming system changes that reduce the risk of crop losses should be rewarded through lower crop insurance rates.

Historically, drought has been by far the dominant cause of significant reductions in corn crop yields. Accordingly, USDA will probably be asked to provide an added subsidy in the form of lower crop insurance premiums when farmers buy and plant drought-tolerant corn varieties.

In the interests of fairness then, organic farmers should also receive a reduction in insurance premiums, since soils on organic farms take in and hold moisture more effectively than soils on conventional farms. Dozens of studies have confirmed that organic farming systems are more resilient in dry years, suffering a lower percentage yield reduction as a result of drought.

Why is it that a break for organic corn farmers in crop insurance rates remains miles off the USDA radar screen and is virtually unimaginable, while the biotech industry just asked politely and is already fully vested?

USDA to Review Animal Welfare and Production Claims

The USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a review of its policies governing approval of animal-raising claims in the labeling of meat, dairy and poultry products.

Terms like "free-range," "raised without antibiotics," raised without added hormones" will be assessed. The FSIS says it is carrying out the review to create a "level playing field" for companies.

Editor's Comment: After years of work and much investment, animal product quality and animal welfare claims associated with organic production have meaning and resonance in the marketplace. It is hard to imagine how this FSIS review will not simply change the hue in already muddy waters.

It is also clear that this review is motivated in part by the protracted controversy over antibiotic-free claims on some Cargill poultry products, as well as the Monsanto-inspired attempt to force dairies to drop claims that their milk is produced from cows not given supplemental rBGH.

With just weeks left in this Administration, however, nothing meaningful will happen until after the transition and this policy review, along with many other ninth inning initiatives of the Bush Administration, could well be overtaken by events.

Conventional Soybeans on the Comeback Trail

A University of Mississippi press release reports that conventional soybeans are coming back and replacing Roundup Ready beans because of lower seed costs, lower weed control costs, and comparable or higher yields.

The release reports that Roundup herbicide costs rose from about $15 per gallon last year to $40 to $50 per gallon in 2008.

Source: "Conventional soybeans offer high yields at lower cost," University of Mississippi Delta Research Center.

GAO Report Hammers FDA Oversight of Fresh Produce

Inadequate staffing, outdated systems and equipment, and too few inspections are among the major problems with FDA's efforts to combat food borne illness, according to a just-released October 3, 2008 General Accounting Office (GAO) report.

Between 2000 and 2007, the FDA found food safety problems at more than 40% of the 2,002 plants that were inspected, yet half were not inspected again to assure corrective actions had been properly implemented.

No fresh produce was seized nor were any plants or companies prosecuted. Only 1% of produce imported into the U.S. is inspected.

Source: Associated Press, October 2, 2008.

Hawaii County Bans the Genetic Modification of Taro and Coffee

A county in the State of Hawaii has adopted a bill that protects the taro (kalo) and coffee industries from genetic engineering and preserves agriculturally-based practices and cultural traditions associated with taro and coffee.

Hawaii County joins a small but growing list of counties that have passed laws or ordinances designed to prohibit the planting of GE-crops and trees.

Experience Life Magazine Highlights the "Good Earth" and Changes in the Food System

The October 2008 issue of the magazine Experience Life, a Lifetime Fitness publication, covers the impacts of organic farming on soil quality and the nutritional quality of organic food, and draws heavily from work by the Center.

The soil piece –"Good Earth" – makes the case that soil health and human health are one and the same. There is solid discussion of the adverse impacts of conventional agriculture on soil quality.

Dr. Robert Kremer, a USDA microbiologist, has carried out key research on the adverse impacts of Roundup Ready soybean technology on soybean plant health. Dr. Kramer states in the article that –

"We find some GM-crops are deficient in micronutrients, either due to genetics or the chemicals used on them to control weeds."

A WSU soil scientist, Craig Cogger, says "Modern breeding hasn't focused on nutritional quality and if you don't focus on a trait, it tends to decline."

A second feature story is called "Progressive Eaters Unite". This piece covers changes in the food industry, Michael Pollan's books, and developments at Whole Foods. The cost of, and access to organic food is also covered in this second piece.

"The Risks of Pigging Out on Antibiotics"

Four friends of the Center published a letter in the September 5, 2008 issue of Science on the risks of agricultural use of antibiotics. The letter is authored by Becky Goldberg of EDF, Steven Roach The Food Animals Concerns Trust, David Wallinga of IATP, and Margaret Mellon of the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Their letter highlights the dangers of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococus aureus) and summarizes the now compelling evidence that MRSA has its roots in agricultural use of antibiotics. A swine-based strain of MRSA in the Netherlands has been linked to 20% of human MRSA infections.

A 2008 study found that 70% of the pigs tested in Iowa and Illinois carried MRSA.

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More than 20 million home gardens were supplying up to 40% of the produce consumed by Americans as a result of the "Victory Garden" movement during World War II.

The USDA opposed President Roosevelt's decision to plant a White House garden and promote Victory Gardens, fearing that such a movement might hurt the American food industry.

Food energy calories produced per calorie of fossil fuel energy in 1940: 2.3
Food energy calories produced per calorie of fossil fuel energy in 2008: 0.1

One in three American children born in 2000 will develop Type 2 diabetes.

Eight of 535 members of the U.S. Congress are scientists or engineers.
Eight of nine senior leaders in China hold advanced degrees in the sciences and engineering.

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The "New" Attacks on Organic Food and Farming
By:
Chuck Benbrook

It is hard to miss the growing variety and vehemence of attacks on organic food and farming in the media, blogosphere, and from some organizations. A Fox News piece October 4, 2008 was called "Organic Food Offers Little More Than Peace of Mind, Critics Say." Alex Avery's book is plugged and he is quoted as saying "It's [organic food] a total con. There is not a shred of science" to back up claims that organic food is safer or more nutritious.

On the subject of organic milk, Avery asserts that "...labs have not found 'one detectable difference whatsoever.'"

A Food Navigator commentary on October 6, 2008 is entitled "Bringing organic back down to earth." It begins by stating – "Organic has an image problem." The gist of the piece is that organic food is too pricey and a luxury only the well off can afford, and that people are made to feel guilty if they do not eat an exclusively organic diet, "And that, I think, is a shame..." according to the author.

The Delta Farm Press posted a story October 8th called "Cotton bollworms:660 / organic cotton:zero." The confusing headline refers to a yield of 660 pounds of cotton with modern technology – pesticides, Bt cotton – compared to zero pounds from an organic cotton field trial in Uganda, after an insect outbreak essentially defoliated the plants. Reminiscent of Sarah Palin's use of language, the piece goes on to state –

"This and other organic experiments have impressed the Ugandan government so much that their Cotton Development Organization has begun offering pesticides to farmers at subsidized prices. Meanwhile, the most damaging pests reported in Ugandan fields these days is anyone promoting organic methods."

Attacks of this nature, and others more subtle and insidious, are an inevitable byproduct of the success of organic farmers and the organic food industry. Growth in demand for, and interest in organic food and farming, reflects in part growing consumer dissatisfaction with conventional food and production technology. This dissatisfaction is rooted in a long list of problems caused by contemporary agriculture and our food system that keep impacting people in profound and unmistakable ways. News of such problems is a near-daily part of mainstream news coverage, and spans the latest on E. coli O157 outbreaks, chemical contaminants in food, antibiotic resistance and antibiotics in drinking water, inhumane care of animals, and pesticides in umbilical cord blood and amniotic fluid.

Organic food and farming did not create these problems and cannot solve them alone, but is clearly one way to cut them down to size. This inherent and indisputable benefit of organic food and farming threatens some people and economic interests, and we can expect them to continue challenging efforts to increase growth and investment in the organic food industry.

As a nation we have entered a frightening era of fragility in national financial institutions, energy markets, real estate, international affairs, health care, public health, and food. Could our food system suffer from the same misguided optimism and failure to heed warning signs that brought down Wall Street?

Organic food and farming has much to offer the nation. We need to stay focused on improving the quality and consistency of organic food, while expanding supply and working to make the organic segment of the food industry more efficient. Through efficiency, we will be better prepared to offer farmers a fair pay price, finance the pragmatic steps needed to conserve soil and water resources and lower our carbon footprint, and generate profits to invest in growth, research, development, and consumer education.

We need to avoid overstating the benefits of organic food and farming, but also must not shy away from explaining – and backing up – proven benefits. No amount of new science documenting the benefits of organic food and farming is going to change the minds of ideologues dedicated to the mission of raising doubts in the minds of consumers.

But new science is a powerful force for those with an open mind and consumers paying attention to their diet and food quality. It creates a force for change that we need to invest in, respect and heed, as we work to improve the quality and affordability of organic food. Done well and in ways that build consumer trust, the rewards will be tangible and sustained in the marketplace, on our farms and in rural areas, and for individuals that take personal responsibility for their food choices and family's health.

Excerpts from the October 7, 2008 "Statement by the Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on the Benefits of Organic Farming"

Access the full text on the Center's website.

"... after decades of relative neglect - the state of the world´s agricultural production system has returned to the centre of international policy debates. The rapid rise in food prices in the last few months has drawn attention to the dire state of agriculture in many developing countries, where producers have not been able to scale up supply in response to higher prices.
Earlier this year, the International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) - an intergovernmental process supported by over 400 experts and many UN Agencies - concluded that "the way the world grows its food will have to change radically to better serve the poor and hungry if the world is to cope with growing population and climate change while avoiding social breakdown and environmental collapse."

In our view, organic agriculture is one of the most promising options to meet these challenges. Let me mention a few of the relevant advantages:

Increased earnings

The potential to export goods to consumers willing to pay premium prices for certified organic production in many developed countries generates significant income possibilities for organic farmers in the developing world. In 2006, global certified organic sales were estimated to have reached over 30 billion euros, a 20 per cent increase over 2005, and are expected to increase to 52 billion euros by 2012.

Organic production is also particularly well-suited for smallholder farmers, who comprise the majority of the world´s poor.... As the seminal work by Amartya Sen on Famines has shown us, it is not always the absence of food that creates hunger, but also the inability of some to pay for existing food stocks. Higher incomes through exports of organic food can help small farmers in developing countries to afford higher food prices.

Increased productivity

But organic food production does not necessarily mean a sacrifice in terms of output. A recent UNCTAD-UNEP study analyzing 114 cases in Africa revealed that a conversion of farms to organic production and related training and capacity building led to an increase in agricultural productivity of 116%! Moreover, organic agriculture builds on and keeps alive farmers´ rich heritage of traditional knowledge and traditional agricultural varieties.

Reduced dependence on external inputs

As a sustainable and environmentally friendly production system, organic agriculture is based on active agro-ecosystem management and local resources instead of external inputs. This means that organic farmers are less affected by rising fertilizer and agrochemical costs. Indeed, as the prices of agro-chemicals are driven up by high oil prices, organic agriculture, which uses no synthetic agro-chemicals, becomes increasingly competitive. And reliance on local renewable resources reduces rural communities´ vulnerability to external volatility caused by factors far beyond their control.

Environmentally friendly

In an age of increasing environmental concern and impending climate change, one important additional advantage of organic production methods comes to bear: It does not pollute the environment with agro-chemicals, and also reduces illness and death in farm families due to agro-chemical exposure -- a leading cause of occupational mortality and morbidity worldwide. Organic agriculture actually conserves biodiversity and natural resources on the farm and in the surrounding areas. It improves soil fertility and structure, thus improving water retention and resilience to climatic stress, contributing to climate change adaptation. Finally, it mitigates climate change by utilizing less energy than conventional agriculture and also by sequestering carbon.

For all these reasons, we believe that organic agriculture is a powerful tool for achieving the Millennium Development Goals, particularly those related to poverty reduction and the environment. Of course, at the moment, organic agriculture is only a niche market, accounting for currently about 2% of global farmland. However, its potential has not yet been fully explored, and it deserves our full attention as an important tool for development.

Challenges

But there are also challenges for developing countries in seizing these opportunities, particularly in terms of building productive capacities and market access and entry difficulties.
It is ironic that, at a time when environmental concerns are high on the international agenda, the technical barriers to trade in environmentally preferable products, including organic agricultural products, are generally much higher than for regular products.

Environmentally preferable products must meet all the requirements that conventional products do. In addition, they must provide evidence of their environmental claims--for example that they have been produced according to certain standards and that this has been verified by a certification body which in turn has been duly accredited or approved by a competent authority. Naturally, each market and often even each individual retailer has its own standard and conformity assessment requirements, and there is little or no inter-operability among systems.

Meeting all of these requirements can be daunting even for a large developed country producer. For small scale producers in developing countries, it can place the tantalizing fruits of organic and other green markets beyond their reach.

Excerpts from "Pesticides and Food: Flying Blind"
By: Charles Benbrook

Originally published in the "Sound Consumer," the newsletter of PCC Natural Markets, in Seattle, Washington. The full text is on the Center's website.

What pesticides are used on what food crops? What residues remain when the crops go to market and how risky are those residues? And what about the vulnerable amongst us, are we fully protecting pregnant women, infants and children, and the elderly?

Worrisome evidence that even minute levels of pesticides in food can impair human development has driven demand for organic foods — produced without synthetic insecticides, herbicides or fungicides. Since the beginning of the organic movement, consumers increasingly have made it clear they want toxic pesticides out of their food and off their plates.

Yet a recent decision by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to stop measuring the use of pesticides on American farms could make it much harder to track pesticide use and risk trends.

What we know and how we know it

Annually since the early 1990s, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), an agency of the USDA, has collected detailed data on pesticide use on a representative sample of farms across the country...

Despite some shortcomings, NASS pesticide use data has been the only free, publicly available resource for anyone studying, monitoring, measuring — and attempting to manage — pesticide use and risks...

It's often said that what gets measured gets managed. Without measuring pesticide use, we will be stymied in attempts to manage pesticide risks.

The latest pesticide data

In 2008, the USDA released pesticide use data only for apples and cotton in the 2007 crop season. NASS collected no data for corn or soybeans in 2006 and 2007.

The lack of this use data means independent analysts cannot quantify what's likely to be an enormous increase in herbicide applications since 2005 needed to keep up with resistant weeds on land planted with genetically modified (GM) Roundup Ready® corn and soy. Reports we issued in 2002 and 2004 relied heavily on NASS data and contradicted industry claims that GM crops were reducing pesticide use. Now, Monsanto can continue making bogus claims that Roundup Ready technology reduces herbicide use with little fear of contradictory data...

No pesticide use data has been collected in 2008... An unusual coalition of industry and environmentalists, government agencies (including the EPA) and consumer organizations (including PCC) are asking USDA and Congress to restore the $8 million needed to reinstate NASS's pesticide data collection activities. Hopefully data collection will resume in the fall of 2009.

An emerging opportunity

No doubt some agriculture interests feel that the less data generated by government on pesticide use and risks, the fewer headaches from noisy non-profit organizations. This myopic view misses the big picture.

The PNW leads the nation in organic tree fruit production and sustainable farming. Many non-organic farmers in our region are moving to purge their production systems of high-risk chemistry and are adopting many practices developed and perfected by organic farmers.

There's huge, untapped demand in the nation and abroad for high-value, fresh and preserved fruit and vegetable products that deliver taste, nutrient density, and superior margins of safety. Also, with energy prices rising and support for local food security increasing, dependence on imported fresh berries, cherries, tomatoes, and grapes is likely to dwindle. Consumers also have yet to understand that eating imported fresh produce (non-organic) triggers a pronounced spike in pesticide dietary exposure...
Farmers and food processors in the PNW are well positioned to go after this emerging market. A trilogy of benefits awaits — heightened reliance on healthy, safe, and locally grown food; increased demand for Pacific Northwest-grown produce means more jobs in farming and food processing; and, a lower carbon footprint in getting our three square meals a day.

Addendum – A coalition of organizations including The Organic Center and PCC Natural Markets are working to restore funding for NASS pesticide use data collection. We will keep readers of "The Scoop" informed as this coalition engages the Congress and new Administration in discussions on this front.

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Join The Organic Center and Rodale Institute on Nov. 11, 2008, 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm, at the Chelsea Art Museum in New York, NY, for a special gourmet organic reception, educational event and fundraiser to benefit the important work of both nonprofit organizations in advancing the scientific research behind the health and environmental benefits of organic food and farming. Rodale and the Institute will introduce research on how organic can play a positive role in energy conservation, soil and water health and climate change, as well as nutrition, human health and world hunger. Special hosts for the evening include supermodel Emme, leading pediatrician and Organic Center Chair Dr. Alan Greene, M.D., Maria Rodale, Chairman of Rodale Inc., TV host and Organic Center board member Sara Snow, Arran Stephens, founder and CEO of Nature's Path, and David Zinczenko, editor in chief of Men's Health magazine. Tickets are $125 per person and are available for purchase at www.organicsolution.org, or contact 303.499.1840.

Mark your calendar for a gala evening in Hollywood when The Organic Center presents its West Coast fundraiser and gourmet organic reception on Dec. 9, 2008, 6:30 – 9:30 pm, at the Hilton Los Angeles Hotel in Universal City. Tickets to the evening fundraiser and reception are $125 per person. Visit www.organic-center.org or call 303.499.1840 to purchase tickets. The Organic Center will also present a seminar on organic and the influence of Hollywood during the Hollywood Goes Green Conference, held Dec. 8-9, 2008 at the Hilton Los Angeles Hotel. For information, visit www.hollywoodgoesgreen.com.

"Living Soil, Food Quality, and the Future of Food" Session at the AAAS Annual Meeting

The Center organized with Preston Andrews of Washington State University a 90-minute symposium that will be part of the 2009 annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The session will be held February 13, 2009 at 8:30am. The focus will be on the impacts of long-term organic management on soil quality and food nutrient density. The AAAS meeting will be held February 12-16, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Jerry Glover of The Land Institute will present a paper entitled "Crops, Roots, and Soil Biological Processes: Synergistic Interactions." Preston Andrews will cover fruit and vegetable crop responses to soil management. Alyson Mitchell of U.C. Davis will present on the topic "Nutrient Dense Foods: Phytochemicals and Health Benefits."

The Organic Center Sponsors Two Sessions at the 2009 EcoFarm Conference

The Center helped organize two sessions at the January 22-24, 2008 EcoFarm conference at Asilomar, in Monterey, California. During the "War on Bugs" workshop on Friday, 10:30am-12:30, Will Allen will address the evolution of the war on bugs over the last century. Chuck Benbrook will discuss the impacts and implications of the contemporary trend toward systematic pesticides and genetic engineering technology that strives to get pesticide toxins inside of plants.

On Saturday from 8:30am to 10:00, Dr. John Reganold of Washington State University will join with Chuck Benbrook in a workshop entitled "Why the Science is Starting to Show Benefits for Organic." Dr. Reganold will present results of recent studies at WSU comparing the performance of organic and conventional farming systems, and Chuck will provide an update of recent Organic Center research.

Keep Up with Events by Visiting the Organic Center Blog

Managing Director Steven Hoffman has started an Organic Center blog that will help readers of "The Scoop" stay current on the activities of the Center, events, and other breaking developments.

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Core Truths on the Major Benefits of Organic Food and Farming

Core Truths is a ground breaking compilation of the most current research on organic agriculture. This highly readable and graphically stunning 108-page coffee table book documents the verifiable health and environmental benefits of organic products.

Core Truths includes fascinating research about why:

Organic often tastes better
Organic produce contains, on average, 30 percent higher levels of antioxidants
Organic farming can cut mycotoxin risk by over 50 percent
Organic food dramatically reduces pesticide exposure
Organic farms typically use less energy
Order your copy now! Only $30 (plus $5 shipping and handling in US).
Click here for a preview of the book.
Click here to order.

Donate $100 Now! Receive Free Copy of Core Truths

Be a part of supporting vital research about the science behind organic. Make a gift of $100 to The Organic Center now, and we'll send you a free, hard-cover copy of our ground-breaking book, Core Truths (a $35 value.)

Email Seleyn DeYarus for details.

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The Organic Center Features Jerry Garcia Artwork

Do you or someone you know love The Grateful Dead? Do you enjoy beautiful original works of art? If so, select a giclee of Jerry Garcia original artwork and benefit The Organic Center. This unique fundraising initiative to benefit The Organic Center is made possible through the generosity of filmmaker Deborah Koons Garcia and features the series, "In the Garden," by the late Jerry Garcia. Individual prints are $250, or get the full series for $1,000. To order your Jerry Garcia art, click here.

The Organic Center's on-line fundraising program - Become a Friend of The Organic Center

We can now accept secure on-line donations with both yearly and monthly giving options. We also have wonderful gifts to say thank you for your support – including a free one-year subscription to Organic Gardening magazine, organic t-shirt, organic tote bag, our book, Core Truths and Dr. Alan Greene's new book, Raising Baby Green. We have many ways to say thank you for supporting our work.
For more information

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Our Research –
Individuals can support the scientific work of The Organic Center by:

Sharing new information, data, or "Hot Science," email our Chief Scientist
Helping us identify scientists that can contribute to our work, email Chuck Benbrook
Making a contribution, click here
Companies, foundations, or individuals can support work by The Organic Center on a critical issue, or in a specific area through our donor directed research program. Contact Dr. Benbrook for details.

Our Outreach and Communication Program –
Informed consumers drive the organic marketplace. Help The Organic Center reach consumers with the latest science on the organic benefit by:

Join Mission Organic 2010 as an individual
Distributing or reprinting excerpts from our studies
Making a donation to our communications program
For companies, The Organic Center's Mission Organic Affinity Marketing Partnership Program provides resources and tools to help educate your customers about the personal benefits of organic food and farming. Become part of an effort to grow the U.S. market for organic from 3 percent to 10 percent by 2010.

For more information about our affinity marketing program, email Seleyn DeYarus
Learn more about the health and environmental impacts of Mission Organic 2010
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"The Scoop," is an electronic newsletter published monthly by The Organic Center. For a free subscription, visit www.organic-center.org.

© 2008, The Organic Center. All rights reserved. Permission for reproduction of these materials for educational purposes will be granted by contacting The Organic Center at info@organic-center.org.

Editor: Chuck Benbrook, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, The Organic Center

Design: Karen Lutz Benbrook

Circulation: Matthue DeYarus

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Backed by the world's leading scientists, physicians and scholars, The Organic Center is committed to two goals.

1) RESEARCH: providing free, peer-reviewed, credible science that explores the health and environmental benefits of organic agriculture.

2) EDUCATION: helping people and organizations access and better understand science that sheds light on the organic benefit.

To access free downloads of the latest in organic science, or to Join the Mission, go to: www.organic-center.org.

Managing Director: Steven Hoffman
Development Director: Seleyn DeYarus

TOC Board Chair: Alan Greene, co-founder DrGreene.com
Chair Elect: Michelle Goolsby, Consultant to Dean Foods
Treasurer: Mark Retzloff, President, Aurora Organic Dairy
Secretary: James White, Senior Vice President, Consumer Brands, Safeway

The Organic Center
P.O. Box 20513
Boulder, CO USA 80308
tel 303.499.1840
fax 419.858.1042
www.organic-center.org

2008-07-12T08:08:00.000-06:00

God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body!

God's Pharmacy! Amazing!
A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.
A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.
Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.
A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.
Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.
Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.
Avocados, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).
Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.
Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.
Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries
Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.
Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

2008-07-11T15:54:00.000-06:00

In This Issue:
• Breaking Science
• In The News
• Do You Know?
• Commentary
• Events and Presentations
• Core Truths
• The Art of Giving
• Join Mission Organic
• About THE SCOOP
• About The Organic Center

Superior Nutrient Content Reported in Organic Blueberries

The Bluecrop variety of highbush blueberries were grown on five organic and conventional farms in New Jersey. The farms shared comparable soils and weather conditions, and the berries were harvested in precisely the same way. The scientists carrying out the study are based at the USDA's Genetic Improvement of Fruits and Vegetables Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland, and at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
The team found consistent and significant differences in nutrient content. The organic blueberries contained 46 ORAC units, a measure of total antioxidant capacity, while the conventional berries contained 31 ORAC units.
Accordingly, the organic berries had over 50% more total antioxidant activity. They also contained about 50% higher levels of total anthocyanins, the natural plant phytochemicals that give blueberries their dark color.
The organic blueberries also had 67% more total phenolics. The authors' concluding sentence reads:
"Blueberries produced from organic culture contained significantly higher amounts of phytonutrients than those produced from conventional culture."
Source: S.H. Wang et al., "Fruit Quality, Antioxidant Capacity, and Flavonoid Content of Organically and Conventionally Grown Blueberries," Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, published on web July 1, 2008.

Remarkable Studies Appear on the Benefits of rbST/rbGH

Two studies appeared in the last month in important journals comparing the impacts and benefits of alternative dairy cow management systems. Both will no doubt trigger spirited debate on the impacts of dairy cow management systems on the environment and milk quality, as well as the current state of American science.
A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences focuses predominantly on climate change and environmental impacts, and is entitled "The environmental impact of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST/rbGH) in dairy production."
The piece in the July 2008 Journal of the American Dietetic Association (JADA) addresses the impact of farm management on milk nutritional quality and safety, and is called "Survey of Retail Milk Composition as Affected by Label Claims Regarding Farm-Management Practices." It is co-authored by 10 scientists, six of which work for Monsanto. All the authors have been closely associated with, and strong supporters of rbST/rbGH technology.
Both articles are co-authored by Roger Cady, a Monsanto scientist. One of other co-authors of the PNAS article is Dr. Dale Bauman of Cornell, who is one of the scientists that discovered the ability of rbST/rbGH to increase milk production. He is among the patent holders in the technology, and has long been a paid consultant to Monsanto.
The PNAS study concludes that administering rbST/rbGH to cows reduces:
• Feed needs per unit of milk output,
• Area of cropland needed per unit of milk production,
• Loss of nitrogen and phosphorous per unit of milk, and
• Global warming potential.
According to this article, cows treated with rbST/rbGH have a lessened impact on the environment than conventional cows not treated with rbST/rbGH, and organic systems have by far the greatest impact on the environment, per unit of production, largely because of the assumed 25% reduction in daily milk yield.
While the PNAS authors note in passing that pasture-based dairy systems have some environmental advantages, they argue that the energy imbalances experienced by cows on pasture (too much nitrogen, too little protein) reduces feed efficiency and increases secretions of water contaminants.
According to the authors –
"Overall, rbST/rbGH appears to represent a valuable management tool for use in dairy production to improve productive efficiency, and to have less negative effects on the environment."
The JADA Article
The Monsanto team tested conventional, rbST/rbGH-free, and organic milk samples bought at retail

outlets. Their "quality" parameters were antibiotics and bacterial counts. "Nutritional value" was measured by fat, protein, and solids-not-fat. No explanation was given why the two nutritional quality parameters known to favor organic milk – Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and omega-three levels – were excluded from the study.
The "Hormonal composition" of milk included testing for somatotropin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), estradiaol, and progesterone.
The team reports only minor differences across the three types of milk in most variables studied. They state that bacterial counts were lowest in conventional milk, but the differences were not "biologically meaningful." No antibiotics were detected, which is not surprising, given that the antibiotic tests were done with relatively insensitive quick test-strip kits.
The most interesting finding, not dwelled on by the authors, was that organic milk had by far the lowest IGF-1 level – 2.73 ng/ml compared to 3.12 ng/ml in conventional milk (a reduction of 12.5%). The authors report that because ultrapastuerization can degrade IGF-1, they did not include any organic milk that was, according to the label, ultrapasteurized. The paper does not mention that this seemingly reasonable decision by the team excluded from the samples of organic milk the products of several of the most technologically advanced organic dairy processors.
They note that some organic milk may still have been ultrapasteurized (although not labeled as such), thereby reducing the average IGF-1 level in organic milk.
The authors conclude that –
"It is important for food and nutrition professionals to know that conventional, rbST/rbGH-free, and organic milk are compositionally similar so they can serve as a key resource to consumers who are making milk purchase (and consumption) decisions in a marketplace where there are misleading milk label claims."
Editor's Note: See the first item in "In the News" and the "Commentary" section for more discussion of the findings reported in these two studies.

Creative Study Implicates Pesticides in Developmental Abnormalities

A Florida team of scientists led by Loius Guillette has published a series of papers over many years on the impacts of pesticides and other endocrine disruptors on amphibian development. Their work has been challenged, because, according to the authors – "...of the difficulty of directly linking endocrine disrupting effects identified in laboratories with field observations."
In response, they have incrementally refined their research methodologies and tried to answer questions raised by scientists who have disputed their findings and/or conclusions.
In their latest study, they took a novel approach. They identified five sites along a gradient defined by percent of surrounding land in agricultural production. There was no surrounding agriculture in the site next to a parking lot for a shopping mall, and 97% agriculture in the most intensively farmed site.
They collected at least 20 giant toads from each site and found than the frequency of developmental abnormalities increased in a dose-dependent way with the intensity of agriculture.
In the heavily farmed site, the male toads were either feminized or demasculinized, and took on the skin color of females. The good news -- lady toads developed normally in all sites.
Source: " K.A. McCoy et al., "Agriculture Alters Gonadal Form and Function in the toad Bufo marinus,"; Environmental Health Perspectives, Online July 3, 2008

High Nitrogen Levels can Feed E. coli O157 in Lettuce
Scientists working for USDA's Agricultural research Service have found that E. coli O157 bacteria tend to grow faster on young Romaine lettuce leaves than older ones. The scientist suspect that the bacteria do better on the young leaves because they are a richer nutritional "hunting ground." Young lettuce leaves exude about three times more nitrogen and about 1.5-times more carbon than do older, middle leaves.

The scientists further confirmed the key role of nitrogen by adding some N to the middle leaves of lettuce plants. They found the N-supplemented leaves increased E. coli O157 growth to levels comparable to that on the younger leaves.
Source: Access a summary of the research by Dr. Brandl: . Also see, "Leaf Age as a Risk Factor in Contamination of Lettuce with E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enteric," M.T. Brandl and R. Amundson, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Vol. 74:2298-2306, April 2008.
Editor's Note: The findings in this study are significant for two reasons. First, the "fresh cut" trend toward the harvest of baby lettuce and baby spinach may have inadvertently increased the risk of bacteria proliferation, because of the higher levels of nitrogen exudates in the leaves of young, fast-growing plants.
Second, excess nitrogen in farming systems, whether conventional or organic, can feed pathogens and in this way, increase food safety risks. We introduced this topic in Brian Halweil's report "Still No Free Lunch"; , and we try to highlight new science that helps establish why and how extra nitrogen can worsen pest and bacterial problems in each issue of "The Scoop."
The tendency of extra nitrogen to stimulate growth of E. coli O157 and Salmonella bacteria in young leafy green crops would be especially acute in conventional leafy green fields, where farmers apply synthetic fertilizers at rates intended to nearly eliminate any chance of a shortage of nitrogen, a strategy that usually results in an excess.
Organic farmers can do the same thing by over-applying compost and other sources of nitrogen, but typically do not since sources of nitrogen acceptable under the National Organic Program rule are much more expensive per unit of nitrogen. This new science suggests that all farmers need to sharpen their pencils to see how they can reduce the chance of excess nitrogen stimulating the proliferation of bad bacteria in otherwise nutritious produce.
There is one more reason why organic systems can reduce the risk of a major bloom of a pathogen like E. coli O157. Organic systems definitely encourage much more diverse above- and below-ground microbial communities. Hundreds of studies have confirmed this generic benefit of organic farming.
In cases where organic farmers do over-supply nitrogen, the extra N will tend to stimulate the growth of multiple microorganisms, which, through competition for other limiting resources or other mechanisms, tends to keep the population of any single organism from ballooning to possibly dangerous levels.

Lycopene Works as Well as Statins in Promoting Artery Health

Scientists in China compared the impact of lycopene in the diet of rabbits to the impacts of statin drugs in the prevention of the plaque in arteries that lead to atherosclerosis. The rabbits were fed enough lycopene to sustain blood levels roughly comparable to levels in humans who consume a diet high in lycopene.
The lycopene was as effective as statins in the rabbits fed a high-fat diet, and was superior to statins in one measure (reduction in LDL levels). The authors conclude that –
"These findings provide a theoretical rationale for the use of lycopene as a preventive in atherosclerosis."
Source: " Min-Yu Hu et al., "Comparison of lycopene and fluvastatin effects on atherosclerosis induced by a high-fat diet in rabbits," Nutrition, published online June 30, 2008.
Editor's Note: Multiple studies have shown that organic farming can increase the levels of lycopene in a number of fruits and vegetables, although some studies have shown no difference. It is almost certain that high-lycopene tomatoes, and tomato-based processed products, can be grown and offered to consumers through a combination of organic production systems and crop genetics. If the findings of this research are corroborated in other studies, the multi-billion dollar market for statin drugs may get some competition from the humble red tomato.

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Skepticism Arises in Wake of Monsanto PNAS Study
Only July 2, 2008, Scientific American ran a story entitled "Can Bovine Growth Hormone Help Slow Global Warming?" by David Biello.
The piece begins –
"Talk about milking an issue."

Biello reports what the authors of the PNAS study found – that giving cows rbST/rbGH increases production and feed efficiency and is therefore better for the environment. They conclude that 843,000 rbST/rbGH treated cows can produce the same amount of milk as 1,000,000 untreated cows, and that these extra animals will consume 2.3 metric tons of additional feed, requiring 219,00 additional acres. The claim is made that the reduction in greenhouse gases from rbST/rbGH treated animals is equivalent to taking 400,000 cars off the road.
The Scientific American article then describes some of the analytical and technical problems with the study, while also pointing out the possible bias that could have been interjected into the project by virtue of its co-authors. The current controversy over labeling milk as rbST/rbGH-free is also mentioned.
Dr. Michael Hansen, a biologist working for Consumers Union, explains in the piece that the findings all hinge on one assumption – that rbST/rbGH increases feed efficiency per pound of milk produced. According to Hansen," If this basic assumption is wrong, then everything that flows from it is of questionable status."
Biello goes on to report that Monsanto tried 15 years ago to get the FDA to accept an "increases feed efficiency" claim on the label of Posilac (rbST/rbGH injections), but the agency denied the claim because insufficient data had been reported to substantiate the increase.
The article reports that the U.S. dairy industry has reduced GHG emissions per unit of production by 70% since the 1940s, through better feeding and genetics. Scientists in Australia also report that they can cut methane emissions another 50% by increasing the percentage of digestible grasses in cow rations.
Editor's Note: As we have said before in "The Scoop," sorting out the differences in the environmental impacts of a well-managed, high-production conventional dairy farm that uses rbST/rbGH, compared to a well-managed, grass-based organic dairy farm is a complicated and important challenge. This PNAS article, and the study it covers, provides absolutely nothing of value in meeting this need.
Students of science journalism would have to look long and hard to find a more cleverly and consciously biased article. The co-authors overstate the benefits of rbST/rbGH treated cows, claim benefits that do not exist, and fail to cover aspects of environmental impacts known to favor organic and/or grass-based production systems.
A "fair" comparison of conventional, rbST/rbGH treated dairy production systems to organic production (same level of management skill) will unequivocally show benefits for each system –
◦ The conventional cows will produce more per animal, and hence a given amount of milk with fewer animals. This is the conventional system's major source of advantage; the availability of a wide range of animal drugs is the system's other advantage, especially given the physiological stresses common on high-production farms.
◦ The disadvantages of the conventional, high production system include fewer lactations per cow, requiring more replacements; a hotter, grain based ration that requires more fuel and more loss of nitrous oxide in growing corn; and, increases in animal health problems, some of which will adversely impact feed efficiency.
◦ The organic dairy farms major advantages will be increased reliance on local, and usually on-farm forages; less reliance on feeds that have to be shipped long distances; improved reproductive performance; and, fewer cow health problems linked to excessive physiological stress on the animals.
◦ The disadvantages of the organic dairy farm include lower levels of production, so more cows are needed to produce a given amount of milk; challenges in managing mastitis in the winter and rainy seasons; and, limited supplies of high quality organic feedstuffs for purchase, that makes it hard to optimally balance rations at acceptable costs.
No one has done a thorough study of these advantages and disadvantages in terms of environmental impacts and GHG emissions, but when such a study is done, my guess is that there will not be a great deal of difference between the two systems on farms that make comparable use of locally-grown forages, whether as pasture, hay, or silage.
If organic dairy farms learn to utilize a substantially higher percent of locally grown forages, the organic dairy farms will, in all likelihood, reduce GHG emissions and environmental impacts, compared to nearby, equally well-managed farms.
If reliable sources of high-quality organic feed grains emerge, this will allow many grass-based organic dairy farms to increase production somewhat, and will make a sizable difference in future comparative studies.

Organic Food and Beverage Sales Reach $19 billion in 2007
The Natural Marketing Institute reported July 3, 2008 that organic food and beverage sales rose 25% from 2006 to 2007. The category offered consumers 2,107 new products in just one year.
Source: NMI press release, July 3, 2008.

"Secret" World Bank Study Concludes that Biofuels have Caused 75% of Global Food Price Increases
A confidential World Bank study finds that biofuel production has triggered 75% or more of the increases in global food prices. According to a news report on the study in the UK paper "The Guardian" –
"The figure [75%] emphatically contradicts the US government's claims that plant-derived fuels contribute less than 3% to food-price rises."
Recall in the June "The Scoop," we reported that the USDA's 3% claim did not pass the laugh test at the global food summit. Perhaps the World Bank's analysis was not so secret after all.
Source: "Secret report: biofuel caused food crisis," The Guardian, July 4, 2008

Organic Acreage Booming in Washington State...
Certified organic acres jumped 27% between 2006 and 2007, according to a July 2, 2008 Press Release from Washington State University's Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources. Acreage farmed organically has grown 86% since 2004.
The WSU Center projects 2007 acreage at 81,472, with two-thirds of this land devoted to livestock forage crops, vegetables, and tree fruit.
Washington State now leads the nation in production of organic apples, pears, and cherries.
...and Stemilt Growers Inc. is Working to Build Washington's Lead
Already one of the largest grower-shippers of organic fruit in the country, Stemilt Growers

announced on July 1, 2008 that it will almost double its organic cherry crop in 2009 to keep up with demand growth.
The company's current goal is for 25% of its total fruit pack in 2010 to be certified organic. Today, about 12% of Stemilt apples and pears are organic, as are about 5% of its cherries.
To sustain its growers during the three-year transition to certified organic production, Stemilt introduced its "Artisan Organics" line of products in 2007.
Source: "Fruit grower Stemilt to double size of organic cherry crop," Sustainable Food News, July 1, 2008

Organic Center Board Member Elected Chair of IFOAM World Board

Katherine DiMatteo was elected President of the World Board of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) at the IFOAM General Assembly held June 22-24, 2008 in Vignola, Italy. Rumor has it that a majority of the voters were concerned that Katherine was lacking constructive ways to keep busy.
In addition to her IFOAM activities, Katherine is a senior associate at Wolf, DiMatteo + Associates, former executive director of the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and a board member of The Organic Center.
"I am pleased and honored to have been elected to the IFOAM Board and to serve as President," says Katherine DiMatteo. "I will do my best to promote our mission of leading, uniting and assisting the organic movement in its full diversity... My top priorities are for IFOAM to become a strong advocate for organic agriculture at all levels, to foster harmonization, equivalence and equitable trade and to help solve critical global environmental problems and deliver better, healthier food and fiber systems."
DiMatteo will head the ten-member IFOAM World Board for the next three years. Other members are from Australia, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Peru, the Philippines, Switzerland, and Uganda, spanning five continents. Roberto Ugas of Peru and Urs Niggli of Switzerland were named Vice-Presidents and with DiMatteo will comprise the IFOAM executive committee.

EU Directive Likely to Ban 15% of Registered Pesticides...
The European Commission has proposed a directive that could lead to the banning of all pesticides

found to cause cancer or trigger birth defects. Experts project that about 15% of the pesticide products currently on the market in the EU would be impacted.
Pesticide manufacturers and some farm organizations are warning of crop shortages and dramatic price increases if the EC plan moves forward, but they are also dealing with other problems...
Source: "Plans to ban dozens of pesticides will lead to food shortages and send prices rising further'", www.dailymail.com, July 2, 2008
...Fake Pesticides Surprisingly Common in the EU
The Financial Times reported in early July that 5% to 7% of the pesticides sold in Europe are counterfeits, containing either fake or lower cost active ingredients, often of dangerous, banned pesticides. A pesticide industry representative projects that 90% of the fake pesticides are imported from China.
The European Crop Protection Association has set up a task force to study the problem. The problem surfaced when illegal pesticides were found on vegetables grown in greenhouses in Spain. Fifteen people have been arrested and 4,000 kilograms of illegal pesticides were seized.

Endosulfan Found in New Zealand Beef
South Korean authorities found the insecticide endosulfan (Thiodan) in a shipment of beef from New Zealand. In 2005, New Zealand beef was recalled from South Korea and Taiwan because of endosulfan residues. A rancher had applied endosulfan to cattle to kill ticks.
It is not known if the current contamination episode is from use directly on cattle to kill insects, or from residues on crops fed to cattle.
Source: "Insecticide found in beef sent to S Korea," The Dominion Post, stuff.co.nz, July 4, 2008

Whole Foods Tops List of Supermarkets Selling Humanely Raised Food

The World Society for the Protection of Animals carried out a survey of major supermarket chains to assess the percent of humanely raised animal products offered in stores.
The survey encompassed about 200 stores in 34 states, and covered dairy, eggs, unprocessed meat and poultry, and processed meat and poultry.
Whole Foods topped the list of 23 retail chains, with Wegman's, Ruddick Corp., H.E. Butt, and Kroger Co., rounding out the top five.
Source: Sustainable Food News, July 3, 2008

Biotech Canola Under Development to Increase Omega-3 Intakes

Dow AgroSciences and Martek Biosciences are working to develop a canola variety that produces the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). DHA improves brain, eye, and cardiovascular health, and is not supplied in sufficient quantities in the American diet. Currently, algae and fish oil are the primary sources of DHA through dietary supplements.
The companies plan to move the genes from algae into canola varieties, and are hoping consumers will be more receptive to this application of gene transfer technology because of the direct human health benefits of increased DHA intakes.
In addition, the companies point out that the DHA extracted from GM-canola will be the same as the DHA from algae or fish oil. The proteins and enzymes transferred into the canola necessary to produce DHA will be left after the oil is crushed from the seed, according to company scientists.
Source: Andrea Johnson, Biotech canola could offer healthier oil," FarmRanch Guide, June 19, 2008

Democratic National Conventional Goes Green...and Organic
In response to Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's challenge "to make this the greenest convention in

the history of the planet," the host committee of the Democratic National Convention has committed to a path of sustainability...including offering organic food at the event.
The goal, says Andrea Robinson, the convention's first-ever Director of Greening, is to reduce, recycle or compost at least 85% of all waste generated during the event. Planners also are requiring that at least 70% of ingredients for meals served at the convention should be organic, or locally grown to help reduce fuel costs.
According to the Wall Street Journal, 15,000 volunteers at the convention will receive fanny packs made of organic cotton (and made in the USA). Organizers say that greenhouse gases generated by the event will be carefully measured and offset with investments in renewable energy projects.

Republicans are doing their part, too, reports the Wall Street Journal, as they plan their convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul in early September. Organizers for the Republican event say they are utilizing email communications to reduce printing, using recycled office furniture and urging employees to walk or take public transportation to work.

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The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projects that land degradation is eroding the food security of 1.5 billion people, about one-quarter of humanity.
Source: "Some 1.5 billion people may starve due to land erosion," Reuters, July 2, 2008
The acreage producing organic potatoes in Idaho grew 137% from 2007 to 2008.
Source: "Idaho evaluates spud varieties for organic systems," AgLine News, July 3, 2008
The Ukraine has emerged as a critical trans-shipment point in the flow of counterfeit goods from China into Europe. Criminal gangs active in multiple countries manage the flow of goods.
Source: "EU alarmed at flood of bogus pesticides," The Financial Times, July 2008
Chipotle Mexican Grill has committed to purchasing 25% of at least one of its produce items for each of its 730 stores from small and mid-size local farmers.
A large slice of watermelon delivers enough arginine to produce a Viagra-like response in men. It does

so by relaxing blood vessels.
Source: "Watermelon yields Viagra like effects – scientists," Associated Press, July 8, 2009

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Dealing with Our Food Safety Challenges
By: Dr. Charles Benbrook
Over 950 people have now gotten sick from Salmonella-tainted tomatoes, or peppers, or salsa, or who knows what. The media have been so focused, and maybe weary of the tomato story, that a huge outbreak of E. coli O157 in processed beef products has gone largely unnoticed.
What started out in early June as a modest recall of 531,707 pounds of beef processed by Nebraska Beef Ltd., has become a 5.3 million pound recall. Over 40 confirmed cases of illness in Michigan and Ohio have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control. Twenty-two people have been hospitalized, and one person has contracted the sometimes deadly complication hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS).
The number of sick people associated with the Nebraska Beef contamination episode is sure to grow much larger because of the extraordinarily high current ratio of people hospitalized to total number of cases – 22 out of 41, or nearly 50%.
Despite intense scientific focus on understanding the genesis of E. coli O157 and Salmonella, the many amazing steps and major investments by companies to keep these pathogens out of meat and produce, and the near constant red-alert status from FDA and CDC, the problem seems to be getting worse. The tomatoes-or-whatever-Salmonella outbreak may prove to be the worst such outbreak in history by virtually every measure.
Perhaps changes are afoot in the food system that have fundamentally tilted the playing field in favor of these bacterial pathogens, and we had better look under some forbidden rocks if we want to reduce the frequency of illness, and human suffering associated with these major contamination episodes.
Mixing fresh produce from multiple locations in repacking sheds makes disease outbreak epidemiology extremely difficult. Maybe it also makes disease outbreak prevention more difficult? Is it time to rethink how produce moves from the farm to consumers, with the interests of public health driving the outcome, instead of shaving a few cents off of the way we move a case of tomatoes from Mexico, through Florida, to Boston?
Without a livestock market for the byproducts of ethanol production, the economics of corn-based ethanol goes up in smoke, and the net energy contribution goes from maybe barely positive to unspeakably disastrous, given how much taxpayers have invested in this "solution." But what about emerging evidence that E. coli O157 and mycotoxins are finding ways into the distillers grain byproducts of ethanol production that are fed to livestock? Has anyone factored those costs into the net "benefit" assessment of corn-based ethanol?
The next time you see one of those sickening videos of a spent dairy cow being lifted with a front end loader, or shocked with electricity, or worse, so she can stagger onto the kill floor, think about what put her there.
This can be, and sometimes is, one of the costs of pushing a dairy herd to produce 28,000 pounds of milk per year or more by feeding a ration so high in grain and energy, and lacking in forages and fiber, that the acid in her digestive system eats through her gut wall, creating an inside passage for bacteria that will then, in turn, challenge the best food safety systems.
That cow gets into such run-down condition in part because of the effectiveness of the drugs that keep her producing, and bacterial counts down in her milk, despite the stresses she is under and the gradual breakdown of her body and organ systems.
And last, think E. coli O157. The increase in risk of E. coli O157 shedding by stressed out, sick dairy animals is well proven and may explain much of the recent increase in human cases. The more E.coli O157 shed by stressed cattle, the more pressure on all our preventive systems and food safety technologies, from the spinach and tomato and pepper fields of the Salinas Valley and Florida, to the slaughterhouses of Nebraska.
One of the unrecognized benefits of a growing organic farming and food industry in America is that there is now close to a critical mass of people working to prevent the conditions that give rise to food safety problems. The conventional food system and conventional farmers have accomplished much in increasing production and lowering food costs, but they have sometimes not paid enough attention to the food safety costs of doing business.
Organic farmers and food companies do not have all the answers, and face some unique food safety problems of their own, but at least they are consciously pursuing a fundamentally different path where plant and animal health comes first, and higher production second.
I am not alone among scientists who are convinced this is inherently the right approach to produce safe, nutritious food. My gut sense is the big breakthroughs in advancing food safety are going to come from prevention, not better detection or more powerful chemical washes, or radiation.
For this reason, the forces pushing and pulling organic production systems and approaches into the mainstream of the food system may do so at a pace and to a degree unimaginable a few years ago.

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Benbrook to Give 2004 Rachel Carson Lecture in London
The Center's Chief Scientist, Chuck Benbrook, has accepted an invitation to give the Rachel Carson Memorial Lecture sponsored by the Pesticide Action Network-U.K. The event occurs December 4, 2008 in London at the School of Oriental and African Studies.
Chuck is working on scheduling other events during his trip to the U.K. He has been invited by scientists at the University of Newcastle to do two seminars, one on the Center's organic food quality research, and a second on the impacts and future direction of biotechnology in U.S. agriculture.

Check Out The Organic Center's Video

Visit www.youtube.com/TheOrganicCenter and view our video narrated by Sara Snow, host of Discovery Health Channel's Get Fresh With Sara Snow. "We are so grateful for the community effort that went into producing this video," said Seleyn DeYarus, Development Director, The Organic Center. "Part of what makes this video so special is that everyone donated their time and talents to make it happen and this reflects the spirit of the organic movement."
Here's what others had to say about the video:
"I think the piece The Organic Center put together is informative, creative, appropriately provocative, and smart. Well done."
"Great Video! I have not been a big supporter of organic foods thus far, but maybe I should give it more thought! There is no doubt, pesticides are affecting us....... one way or the other."
To learn more about the Organic Center visit www.organic-center.org
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Core Truths on the Major Benefits of Organic Food and Farming

Core Truths is a ground breaking compilation of the most current research on organic agriculture. This highly readable and graphically stunning 108-page coffee table book documents the verifiable health and environmental benefits of organic products.
Core Truths includes fascinating research about why:
• Organic often tastes better
• Organic produce contains, on average, 30 percent higher levels of antioxidants
• Organic farming can cut mycotoxin risk by over 50 percent
• Organic food dramatically reduces pesticide exposure
• Organic farms typically use less energy
Order your copy now! Only $30 (plus $5 shipping and handling in US).
Click here for a preview of the book.
Click here to order.
Donate $100 Now! Receive Free Copy of Core Truths

Be a part of supporting vital research about the science behind organic. Make a gift of $100 to The Organic Center now, and we'll send you a free, hard-cover copy of our ground-breaking book, Core Truths (a $35 value.)

Email Seleyn DeYarus for details.
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The Organic Center Features Jerry Garcia Artwork
Do you or someone you know love The Grateful Dead? Do you enjoy beautiful original works of art? If so, select a giclee of Jerry Garcia original artwork and benefit The Organic Center. This unique fundraising initiative to benefit The Organic Center is made possible through the generosity of filmmaker Deborah Koons Garcia and features the series, "In the Garden," by the late Jerry Garcia. Individual prints are $250, or get the full series for $1,000. To order your Jerry Garcia art, click here.

The Organic Center's on-line fundraising program - Become a Friend of The Organic Center
We can now accept secure on-line donations with both yearly and monthly giving options. We also have wonderful gifts to say thank you for your support – including a free one-year subscription to Organic Gardening magazine, organic t-shirt, organic tote bag, our book, Core Truths and Dr. Alan Greene's new book, Raising Baby Green. We have many ways to say thank you for supporting our work.
For more information
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Our Research –

Individuals can support the scientific work of The Organic Center by:
• Sharing new information, data, or "Hot Science," email our Chief Scientist
• Helping us identify scientists that can contribute to our work, email Chuck Benbrook
• Making a contribution, click here
Companies, foundations, or individuals can support work by The Organic Center on a critical issue, or in a specific area through our donor directed research program. Contact Dr. Benbrook for details.

Our Outreach and Communication Program –
Informed consumers drive the organic marketplace. Help The Organic Center reach consumers with the latest science on the organic benefit by:
• Join Mission Organic 2010 as an individual
• Distributing or reprinting excerpts from our studies
• Making a donation to our communications program
For companies, The Organic Center's Mission Organic Affinity Marketing Partnership Program provides resources and tools to help educate your customers about the personal benefits of organic food and farming. Become part of an effort to grow the U.S. market for organic from 3 percent to 10 percent by 2010.
• For more information about our affinity marketing program, email Seleyn DeYarus
• Learn more about the health and environmental impacts of Mission Organic 2010
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"The Scoop," is an electronic newsletter published monthly by The Organic Center. For a free subscription, visit www.organic-center.org.
© 2008, The Organic Center. All rights reserved. Permission for reproduction of these materials for educational purposes will be granted by contacting The Organic Center at info@organic-center.org.
Editor: Chuck Benbrook, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, The Organic Center
Design: Karen Lutz Benbrook
Circulation: Matthue DeYarus

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Backed by the world's leading scientists, physicians and scholars, The Organic Center is committed to two goals.

1) RESEARCH: providing free, peer-reviewed, credible science that explores the health and environmental benefits of organic agriculture.

2) EDUCATION: helping people and organizations access and better understand science that sheds light on the organic benefit.

To access free downloads of the latest in organic science, or to Join the Mission, go to: www.organic-center.org.

Managing Director: Steven Hoffman
Development Director: Seleyn DeYarus
TOC Board Chair: Alan Greene, co-founder DrGreene.com
Chair Elect: Michelle Goolsby, Executive Vice President, Development, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Dean Foods Corporation
Treasurer: Mark Retzloff, President, Aurora Organic Dairy
Secretary: Katherine DiMatteo, Senior Associate, Wolf, DiMatteo & Associates
The Organic Center
P.O. Box 20513
Boulder, CO USA 80308
tel 303.499.1840
fax 419.858.1042
www.organic-center.org

The Scoop

2008-05-20T17:00:00.000-06:00

In This Issue:

Breaking Science
In The News
Do You Know?
Commentary
Events and Presentations
Core Truths
The Art of Giving - ANNOUNCING Organic Bouquet's Mother's Day Special!
Join Mission Organic
About THE SCOOP
About The Organic Center

Wisconsin Research Shows (Again) that Organic

Farming is as Productive as Conventional and that

Weeds and Weather Matter

The Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems Trials (WICST) have produced
a series of important findings. The latest focuses on the productivity of organic
corn-soybean systems and concludes that organic farms can be essentially as
productive as nearby conventional farms.

Organic corn and soybean yields were on average 90% of conventional yields,
and organic forage crop yields were the same as conventional yields. In years
where organic farmers could carry out early-season weed control on a timely
basis, corn and soybean yields were the same.

In years with wet weather in the spring, however, organic yields can
suffer when mechanical cultivation of weeds is delayed. But in dry years,
organically managed crops often yield higher than conventional crops
because of the ability of soils on organic farms to more quickly take in rainfall.

It is worth noting that the approximate 10% lower corn and soybean yields
on organic farms likely results in 15% to 25% higher concentrations of
protein, some vitamins, and overall antioxidant activity. The increase in
nutrient density likely more than makes up fully for the modest yield reduction.

Part of the increase in organic corn and soybean nutrient density is directly
linked to lower yields and the ìdilution effectî (see the ìStill No Free Lunchî report
for a detailed discussion), with the balance of the difference attributed to the
ability of soils on organic farms to increase flavonoid and antioxidant levels.

Source: J.L. Posner et al., ìOrganic and Conventional Production Systems
in the Wisconsin Integrated Cropping System Trials: I. Productivity 1900-2002,
î Agronomy Journal, Vol. 100, No. 2, 2008

Better Than Eating Worms?

The third study by Alex (Chensheng) Lu and colleagues on the impact of
an organic diet on childrenís exposures to organophosphate (OP) insecticides
has been published in the prestigious journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

We covered the results of this study in the February ìThe Scoop,î based on the
January online version.

In a news report on the study in the journal, EHP highlights the
studyís findings and reports that:

ì..conventionally produced foods were the primary source of OP pesticide
exposure for the children in the study. They also attribute higher dietary
exposures to imported produce eaten in the winter and spring when
domestic produce is not available.î

The Center has highlighted the dramatic shift that has occurred
in the geographic sources of high-risk pesticide residues in food.
Ten years ago, over 75% of pesticide dietary risk was associated
with consumption of domestic produce, with imports accounting
for less than 25%. Today, the shares are reversed. Moreover, the
spike in pesticide exposures from residues in imported fruits and
vegetables occurs in a 3-5 month period.

This new report provides the first human biomonitoring data that
verifies that this shift has in fact occurred.

Sources: ìBetter than Eating Worms? Childrenís Dietary Exposure
to OP Pesticides,î Environmental Health Perspectives,
Vol. 116, No. 4, April 2008

C. Lu et al., ìDietary Intake and Its Contribution to Longitudinal
Organophosphorus Pesticide Exposure in Urban/Suburban Children,
î Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 116, No. 4, April 2008

Government Scientists Worried by Slippage in Food Safety

Progress was made nationally between 1996 and 2004 in reducing
the frequency of five of six major foodborne illnesses caused by the
most common bacterial and viral pathogens, but risks have
increased since based on newly released 2007 ìFoodNetî data, and in
some cases dramatically.

A chilling article in the April 11, 2008, issue of the Centers
for Disease Controlís electronic journal Morbidity and Mortality
Weekly Review (pages 336-370) reports the 2007 results of ìFoodNet,î
the CDCís major system for tracking the number of cases of foodborne
illness from bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria,
Vibrio, and Yersinia species.

The frequency of Cryptosporidium infections rose 44% from 1996-1998 to 2007.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is the sometimes deadly complication
of exposure to STEC (Shiga-toxin producing E. Coli) O157 that can cause
serious kidney damage. The rate of HUS declined between 2001 and 2004,
but increased in both 2005 and 2006. There were 21 major recalls of ground
beef products in 2007 ñ 10 associated with E. coli O157 illness outbreaks.
According to the CDC ñ

ìAdditional efforts are needed to control STEC [E. coli] O157 in cattle
and to prevent its spread to other food animals and food products, such as produce.î

The incidence of Salmonella infections is a special cause for concern, since
the level of infections for several serotypes is increasing, and the current rate
is more than double the national goal.

New ìState of Science Reviewsî Deepen the Science Supporting
Two Key Benefits of Organic Food

The Centerís two new SSRs are getting around. The pesticide SSR is entitled ìSimplifying the Pesticide Risk Equation: The Organic Optionî and was released March 10, 2008. Access the
full 49-page report, the Executive Summary, and press release on the Centerís website.

The Center has already distributed thousands of copies of ìOrganic Essentialsî the consumer-friendly pocket-guide brochure listing the conventional foods that pose the most significant pesticide risks. The brochure is currently being reprinted.

The SSR ìNew Evidence Confirms the Nutritional Superiority of
Planted-Based Organic Foodsî was released March 18th.
The study found that average levels of 11 nutrients are 25%
higher in organic foods compared to conventional foods, based on 236 scientifically valid comparisons. Access the full report, Executive Summary, and supplemental material or the press release on the Centerís website.

Proanthocyanidins Block the Formation of Advanced Glycation Endproducts

An important new study has shown for the first time that plant phytochemicals, such as the proanthocyanidins in cinnamon bark and several fruits and vegetables, can block the formation of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs) in the human bloodstream.

AGEs are rapidly emerging as a major public health concern because of their stability and toxicity. Some AGEs are ingested through the diet, while others are formed in the body. Substantial evidence suggests that modern food production, processing, and cooking methods have significantly increased AGE levels in food.

We have covered in past issues of ìThe Scoopî recent research that shows
clear correlations between a personís risk of Type II diabetes, t
he level of AGEs in their bloodstream, and risk of coronary heart disease.
It is also known that AGEs can dramatically impair several aspects of the
bodyís immune response, and that AGEs slow healing.

This new study is the first to show that a common antioxidant in food
can block the formation of AGEs. Antioxidants block AGE formation by
actively scavenging carbonyl species ñ an important class of reactive
oxygen species (ROS), otherwise known as ìfree radicals.î

We know that organic farming increases antioxidant levels by
about 25% to 30%, compared to conventional farming. Accordingly,
enhanced blockage of the formation of AGEs may soon emerge as a
new health benefit associated with consumption of organic food.

Source: X. Peng et al., ìCinnamon Bark Proanthocyanidins as
Reactive Carbonyl Scavengers To Prevent the Formation of Advanced
Glycation Endproducts,î Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry,
Vol. 56, March 26, 2008, pages 1907-1911

What Beverages Deliver the Greatest Antioxidant Boost per Serving?

Fruit juices, tea, and wine are among the most popular beverages
and in addition to satisfying thirst, they are important sources of vitamins,
antioxidants, and calories. The February 27, 2008 issue of the Journal of
Agricultural and Food Chemistry includes a detailed comparative
assessment of the antioxidant content 12 widely consumed beverages.

The team of scientists from UCLA and Israel used four different measures of antioxidant activity, since different tests lead to somewhat different results across foods and antioxidant polyphenols. The findings are interesting ñ

The top three of 12 beverages were pomegranate juice, red wine, and concord grape juice based on the DPPH test method.
Pomegranate juice was 57-times more potent than apple juice in inhibiting the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins.
Pomegranate juice scored 95.8 on an ìAntioxidant Potency Composite Indexî that the authors developed, compared to 68.3 for red wine and 14.6 for apple juice.
The three teas tested fell near the bottom of the list in terms of the
composite index, with values of 12 to 24.

The results of this study drive home the message that for people looking for simple ways to choose antioxidant-rich foods and beverages, deeper and darker colors are reliably correlated with high antioxidant levels.

The ìAntioxidant Potency Composite Indexî is a useful methodological innovation that researchers or companies working on antioxidant levels might be able to take advantage of in sorting through the results from the several methods used to quantify antioxidant levels.

Source: ìComparison of Antioxidant Potency of Commonly Consumed Polyphenol-Rich Beverages in the United States,î N.P. Seeram et al., Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Vol. 56, pages 1415-1422

Copper Residues in Soils Not a Serious Problem in Australian Vineyards

Copper fungicides are one of the most widely used disease control technology on both organic and conventional farms. The heavy use of copper fungicides in grape production in Europe led to the buildup of copper levels in soils to as much as 1,280 milligram of copper per kilogram of soil. Copper fungicides are also heavily used by potato growers to combat blight disease. Some organic certification authorities in Europe have already phased out copper fungicides, others are planning to do so in the next few years.

It remains to be seen whether the USDAís National Organic Program will follow suit. Assuming the EU ends copper fungicide use in organic production, trade frictions with Europe could emerge over treatment of copper fungicides.

This is why this new study will be of interest around the world. Scientists tested copper levels in vineyards throughout Australian and found levels 10-fold lower than in Europe. Levels present in Australian vineyards are too low to cause lethal effects, but do pose a risk of sublethal effects on some soil invertebrates (e.g., inhibit growth, impair reproduction).

Source: A.M. Wightwick et al., ìCopper Fungicide Residues in Australian Vineyard Soils,î Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Vol. 56, April 9, 2008, pages 2457-2464

Using Genetic Engineering to Accomplish What Nature Already Does

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is an enzyme that plays a role in triggering a plantís defense mechanisms against sucking and chewing insects and plant diseases. It also controls the browning process in many fruits. Given the role of PPO in keeping plants healthy, scientists have for years looked for ways to increase the expression of PPO.

Breeders have often selected for varieties with enhanced disease and insect resistance by monitoring PPO levels.

In 2005 a team of Spanish scientists showed that organic grape production doubled the activity of PPO in grapes, linking the increase to the need for the organic vines to combat various bacterial and viral pathogens (Nunez-Delicado et al., 2005).

In 2008 scientists have genetically engineered (GE) tomato plants to force them to over-express PPO by a factor of 1.5 to 7.3-fold, offering the promise of improved resistance to insects and pathogens (Mahanil et al., 2008).

The differences in these two approaches to achieve the same goal are notable. The 2-X increase in PPO in organic grapes was achieved by creating a healthier, more balanced cropping environment, and letting plants rely on their own genetic potential in combating pests. Faced with the need to limit pest damage, the plants increased PPO levels on their own and at no added cost to the farmer.

But with the GE-tomatoes, the 1.5-X to 7.3-X increase in PPO comes at a considerable cost to the integrity of the plantís genome, and is triggered whether the plant needs to defend itself or not. Plus, it is very unlikely farmers will be able to buy tomato seeds genetically engineered to over-produce PPO at the same cost of conventional seeds.

One of the pillars of Integrated Pest Management is to save the big guns for when they are really needed. Engineering plants to continuously express an enzyme like PPO, regardless of need, makes as much sense as keeping oneís foot on the gas pedal when the need arises to apply the brake.

Sources: E. Nunez-Delicado et al., ìEffect of Organic Farming Practices on the Level of Latent Polyphenol Oxidase in Grapes,î Journal of Food Science, Vol. 70, No. 1, 2005

S. Mahanil et al., ìOverexpression of tomato polyphenol oxidase increases resistance to common cutworm,î Plant Science, Vol. 174, No. 4, April 2008

By popular demand from the growing organic community in Spain and Latin America, we have translated the Executive Summary of the SSR ìNew Evidence Confirms the Nutritional Superiority of Organic Plant-based Foodsî into Spanish. Thanks to report co-author Jaime Yanez for the translation and encouragement to make this important set of findings accessible to our friends in the South.

Advisory Committee Calls for Organic Research ìRoadmapî

In a report full of praise for organic food and farming, the ìNational Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Boardî has called upon the USDA to produce an organic research roadmap and to continue increasing support for organic farmers and researchers.

Mark Lipson, Policy Program Director for the Organic Farming Research Foundation presented a statement before the NAREEE that included the justification for a substantial increase in USDA funding for organic farming and food research.

Source: Letter dated March 5, 2008 to the USDA Secretary Edward Schafer, from the Chair, NAREEE.

ìThe War on Bugsî Traces the Roots of Americaís Fixation on Pesticides

Long-time organic farmer and activist Will Allen has produced a fascinating, entertaining and eye-popping book on the marketing messages and images that opened the door to chemical pesticides. The cartoons are priceless (a classic example follows in the ìDo You Knowî section) and help explain why so many people have such a laissez-faire attitude toward pesticides.

The book is published by Chelsea Green Publishing in White River Junction, Vermont.

Six Artificial Food Colors Banned in the U.K.

When it comes to source of color in food -

Dark + artificial = BAD
Dark + natural = GOOD

The Food Standards Agency in the United Kingdom has decided to ban six food colors to reduce the risk of mood swings and other neurological and behavioral problems in children following consumption of cakes, cookies, drinks and other brightly colored sweets.

Remarkably, researchers projected that removal of these food colors from all food could prevent 30% of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) cases.

Source: ìFood agency calls for ban on six artificial colours,î Independent.co.uk, April 11, 2008.

Four OP Insecticides Targeted in Lawsuit

A coalition of environmental and farmworker groups led by Earthjustice have filed a lawsuit against the EPA seeking cancellation of the high-risk organophosphate (OP) insecticides methidathion, oxdemeton-methyl, methamidophos, and ethroprop.

These insecticides are used on a variety of fruits and vegetables, have been found in California schoolyards and homes, and Monterey Bay. Even very low exposures can trigger serious nervous system developmental abnormalities when pregnant women and infants are exposed at critical stages of development.

Like other lawsuits targeting specific pesticides, this action will take years to progress through the courts and an enormous effort to bring to closure, unless all the registrants choose to settle. This rarely happens because there are always a few companies that decide to fight until the bitter end, or at least as long as there is still demand for their high-risk pesticide products.

They have good reasons to do so -- federal law profoundly tilts the evidentiary playing field in favor of pesticide registrants in this kind of case, and the EPA has to argue the case that the products can be used safely. The manufacturers bear no burden in proving the safety of their products.

GM-Crop Yields Continue to Lag

The Soil Association has released a report showing that todayís genetically-modified plants do not produce higher yields, and in some cases actually depress yields. One of the primary sources of data supporting this conclusion in the Soil Association report is the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

A Kansas study is cited that reports a 9% yield drag with Roundup Ready soybean varieties ñ about the same as the yield drag evident in multiple land grant university varietal trials carried out a decade ago.
Recall from the March ìThe Scoopî the item about Bollgard II cotton, soon to be marketed by Monsanto, replacing the first-generation Bt cotton. Bollgard II cotton costs $113 more per acre and yields 100 less pounds of lint per acre.

It is not surprising that the transformation of crops to make them herbicide tolerant, or produce Bt toxins in leaf tissues, reduces yield potential. Insertion of foreign DNA to alter key plant biosynthetic pathways is bound to have some unanticipated and sometimes negative consequences.

Wal-Mart Decision to Sell rBGH-Free Milk Viewed as ìTipping Pointî

According a news report, Thursday March 20, 2008, will be remembered as the ìtipping pointî in the 15-year struggle to free the American milk supply of Monsantoís genetically engineered cow hormone rBGH. That is the day Wal-Mart announced that its storebrand milk will come from dairies that can certify that cows were not treated with Posilac.

While many people worry about Wal-Martís market power, impacts on small retailers, and exploitation of workers and resources in third world countries, the ability of this one company to change the rules is truly remarkable.

Back to top

China is increasing hog production by about 65 million head annually. Total U.S. hog production in 2007 was 108 million head.

China produces almost twice the hogs as the U.S. and Europe combined.

Source: Rod Smith, ìCEO: World has ëradically changedíî, Feedstuffs, March 15, 2008

The Brazilian company JBS S.A. will soon control 32% of the U.S. beef market, following closure of two acquisitions. JBS S.A. is by far the largest beef processor in the world.

Source: Rod Smith, Feedstuffs, March 17, 2008

Across age groups, children under five have the highest rate of infections caused by Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella and E. coli O157 bacteria.

Pet turtles and lizards, and touching the meat case in supermarkets are two primary sources of exposure to foodborne pathogens among children.

Source: MMWR, Centers for Disease Control, April 11, 2008

By creating multiple cartoons for Standard Oil from 1928 to 1943 showing people spraying

pesticides such as the bug-killer Flit, beloved Dr. Seuss helped popularize the use of pesticides in and around the home. One cartoon for Standard Oil shows a mom standing next to her son Willie, who is gargling. The mother says to the boyís father, who is clearly alarmed ñ
ìDonít worry, Papa. Willie just swallowed a bug, and Iím having him gargle with Flit.î

Source: Will Allen, ìThe War on Bugs,î Chelsea Green Publishing, page 113

Doing the Wrong Thing Systematically

By: Chuck Benbrook

The Wild Farm Alliance has compiled a shocking series of photographs that capture the changes in land use unfolding in and around California's Salinas Valley in the name of food safety.

These photos take no more than five minutes to look over. Warning -- these pictures will leave you outraged, and saddened.

It is beyond tragic that food buyers, and the various inspectors and auditing companies working on their behalf, are purposefully mandating the erosion of diversity and vitality in such an important agricultural landscape, and are doing so without any evidence that the changes being forced upon farmers will do a bit of good.

In fact, the changes will most likely erode food safety, rather than promote it. The Center's June 2007 report "Unfinished Business: Preventing E. coli O157 Outbreaks in Leafy Greens" traced the source of the September 2006 outbreak to bacteria-laden dust blown off a large cattle pasture just to the north (upwind) of the block of spinach that triggered the outbreak.

Quietly since last summer the "dust hypothesis" has become accepted as the most plausible explanation of how the E. coli from the pasture got onto the spinach that caused the outbreak.

The field observations and research of many scientists, conservationists, government agencies, and farmers have discounted to near-zero the possibility that feral pigs, birds, deer, or any other wild animals had anything to do with this outbreak, yet across the Salinas Valley, farmers are being told to get rid of any vegetation or habitat that might harbor life forms above bacteria. To keep their market, most farmers are complying.

They are tearing out riparian areas, shrubs, trees and other bird and beneficial insect habitat, leaving just bare earth. As these newly cleared areas dry out this summer, dust will blow off of them right onto the production fields, in some cases carrying bacteria.

The Western Growers Association, food companies, and farm leaders have pledged to base all leafy green "good agricultural practices" on sound science and contemporary research on the causes of E. coli outbreaks in leafy greens.

By allowing a scorched-earth policy to be inflicted upon farmers, they have done just the opposite. It is time for the leaders in the leafy green industry and the retail sector to stop this monumental tragedy before any more harm is done.

The Organic Center Presents Research Findings to the American Dietetic Association and American Public Health Association in the Same Week

Chuck Benbrook will present an overview of the nutritional benefits of organic food, and raise the question whether plants with a diabetes-like syndrome produce food that is more likely to lead to Type II diabetes in humans, at the annual meeting of the American Dietetic Association in Chicago on October 27th.

A few days later he will be in San Diego, participating on a similar panel at the American Public Health Associationís annual meeting in San Diego.

Back to top

Core Truths on the Major Benefits of Organic Food and Farming

Core Truths is a ground breaking compilation of the most current research on organic agriculture. This highly readable and graphically stunning 108-page coffee table book documents the verifiable health and environmental benefits of organic products

Core Truths includes fascinating research about why:

Organic often tastes better
Organic produce contains, on average, 30 percent higher levels of antioxidants
Organic farming can cut mycotoxin risk by over 50 percent
Organic food dramatically reduces pesticide exposure
Organic farms typically use less energy

Order your copy now! Only $30 (plus $5 shipping and handling in US).
Click here for a preview of the book.
Click here to order.

Donate $100 Now! Receive Free Copy of Core Truths

Be a part of supporting vital research about the science behind organic. Make a gift of $100 to The Organic Center now, and we'll send you a free, hard-cover copy of our ground-breaking book, Core Truths (a $35 value.)

Email Seleyn DeYarus for details.

Choose Organic for Motherís Day and Benefit The Organic Center

This Motherís Day and throughout the year give organic flowers. The Organic Center is pleased to announce a special fundraising initiative with Organic Bouquet. The Organic Center will receive 10% of the proceeds from purchases that follow this link www.organicbouquet.com/organiccenter . If you wish to take advantage of the special Motherís Day offer of a free vase click on the banner posted here. Give something beautiful that doubles your giving and send The Organic Center Bouquet or any of the bouquets on offer through our link! Remember, using these links will ensure The Organic Center receives 10% of the proceeds to support our ongoing research and education efforts on the organic benefit. Thank you for your support!

The Organic Center's on-line fundraising program - Become a Friend of The Organic Center

We can now accept secure on-line donations with both yearly and monthly giving options. We also have wonderful gifts to say thank you for your support ñ including a free one-year subscription to Organic Gardening magazine, organic t-shirt, organic tote bag, our book, Core Truths and Dr. Alan Greene's new book, Raising Baby Green. We have many ways to say thank you for supporting our work.
For more information

The Organic Center's fundraising program featuring Jerry Garcia artwork

A fundraising initiative to benefit the scientific research mission of The Organic Center features a series of prints from Jerry Garcia original artwork. The series, "In the Garden," is made possible through the generosity of filmmaker Deborah Koons Garcia.

Five series of high-quality Giclee' prints featuring the artwork of Jerry Garcia will be offered for sale over the next three years through The Organic Center website, www.organic-center.org. Each series will include four to six prints made from original artwork created by Garcia, the late lead guitarist for the Grateful Dead.

The first series of prints, "In the Garden," is still available and includes five prints, each priced at $250. The full series is offered at $1,000. The series includes such works as "Snail Garden," "Another Butterfly," "Beehive," "Banyan Tree II," and "Butterfly Study." Images of the prints can be viewed above with more information available on the Center's website.

Our Research ñ
Individuals can support the scientific work of The Organic Center by:

Sharing new information, data, or "Hot Science," email our Chief Scientist
Helping us identify scientists that can contribute to our work, email Chuck Benbrook
Making a contribution, click here

Companies, foundations, or individuals can support work by The Organic Center on a critical issue, or in a specific area through our donor directed research program. Contact Dr. Benbrook for details.

Our Outreach and Communication Program ñ
Informed consumers drive the organic marketplace. Help The Organic Center reach consumers with the latest science on the organic benefit by:

Join Mission Organic 2010 as an individual
Distributing or reprinting excerpts from our studies
Making a donation to our communications program

For companies, The Organic Center's Mission Organic Affinity Marketing Partnership Program provides resources and tools to help educate your customers about the personal benefits of organic food and farming. Become part of an effort to grow the U.S. market for organic from 3 percent to 10 percent by 2010.

For more information about our affinity marketing program, email Seleyn DeYarus
Learn more about the health and environmental impacts of Mission Organic 2010

"The Scoop," is an electronic newsletter published monthly by The Organic Center. For a free subscription, visit www.organic-center.org.

Editor: Chuck Benbrook, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, The Organic Center
Design and Circulation: Karen Lutz Benbrook

Backed by the world's leading scientists, physicians and scholars, The Organic Center is committed to two goals.

1) RESEARCH: providing free, peer-reviewed, credible science that explores the health and environmental benefits of organic agriculture.

2) EDUCATION: helping people and organizations access and better understand science that sheds light on the organic benefit.

To access free downloads of the latest in organic science, or to Join the Mission, go to: www.organic-center.org.

Managing Director: Steven Hoffman
Development Director: Seleyn DeYarus

TOC Board Chair: Alan Greene, co-founder DrGreene.com
Chair Elect: Michelle Goolsby, Executive Vice President, Chief Counsel, Dean Foods
Treasurer: Mark Retzloff, President, Aurora Organic Dairy
Secretary: Katherine DiMatteo, Senior Associate, Wolf, DiMatteo & Associates

The Organic Center
P.O. Box 20513
Boulder, CO USA 80308
tel 303.499.1840
fax 419.858.1042
www.organic-center.org

The Scoop

2008-04-28T19:50:00.000-06:00

In This Issue:

Breaking Science
In The News
Do You Know?
Commentary
Events and Presentations
Core Truths
The Art of Giving - ANNOUNCING Organic Bouquet's Mother's Day Special!
Join Mission Organic
About THE SCOOP
About The Organic Center

Wisconsin Research Shows (Again) that Organic Farming is as Productive as Conventional and that Weeds and Weather Matter

The Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems Trials (WICST) have produced a series of important findings. The latest focuses on the productivity of organic corn-soybean systems and concludes that organic farms can be essentially as productive as nearby conventional farms.

Organic corn and soybean yields were on average 90% of conventional yields, and organic forage crop yields were the same as conventional yields. In years where organic farmers could carry out early-season weed control on a timely basis, corn and soybean yields were the same.

In years with wet weather in the spring, however, organic yields can suffer when mechanical cultivation of weeds is delayed. But in dry years, organically managed crops often yield higher than conventional crops because of the ability of soils on organic farms to more quickly take in rainfall.

It is worth noting that the approximate 10% lower corn and soybean yields on organic farms likely results in 15% to 25% higher concentrations of protein, some vitamins, and overall antioxidant activity. The increase in nutrient density likely more than makes up fully for the modest yield reduction.

Part of the increase in organic corn and soybean nutrient density is directly linked to lower yields and the ìdilution effectî (see the ìStill No Free Lunchî report for a detailed discussion), with the balance of the difference attributed to the ability of soils on organic farms to increase flavonoid and antioxidant levels.

Source: J.L. Posner et al., ìOrganic and Conventional Production Systems in the Wisconsin Integrated Cropping System Trials: I. Productivity 1900-2002,î Agronomy Journal, Vol. 100, No. 2, 2008

Better Than Eating Worms?

The third study by Alex (Chensheng) Lu and colleagues on the impact of an organic diet on childrenís exposures to organophosphate (OP) insecticides has been published in the prestigious journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

We covered the results of this study in the February ìThe Scoop,î based on the January online version.

In a news report on the study in the journal, EHP highlights the studyís findings and reports that:

ì..conventionally produced foods were the primary source of OP pesticide exposure for the children in the study. They also attribute higher dietary exposures to imported produce eaten in the winter and spring when domestic produce is not available.î

The Center has highlighted the dramatic shift that has occurred in the geographic sources of high-risk pesticide residues in food. Ten years ago, over 75% of pesticide dietary risk was associated with consumption of domestic produce, with imports accounting for less than 25%. Today, the shares are reversed. Moreover, the spike in pesticide exposures from residues in imported fruits and vegetables occurs in a 3-5 month period.

This new report provides the first human biomonitoring data that verifies that this shift has in fact occurred.

Sources: ìBetter than Eating Worms? Childrenís Dietary Exposure to OP Pesticides,î Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 116, No. 4, April 2008

C. Lu et al., ìDietary Intake and Its Contribution to Longitudinal Organophosphorus Pesticide Exposure in Urban/Suburban Children,î Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 116, No. 4, April 2008

Government Scientists Worried by Slippage in Food Safety

Progress was made nationally between 1996 and 2004 in reducing the frequency of five of six major foodborne illnesses caused by the most common bacterial and viral pathogens, but risks have increased since based on newly released 2007 ìFoodNetî data, and in some cases dramatically.

A chilling article in the April 11, 2008, issue of the Centers for Disease Controlís electronic journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Review (pages 336-370) reports the 2007 results of ìFoodNet,î the CDCís major system for tracking the number of cases of foodborne illness from bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria, Vibrio, and Yersinia species.

The frequency of Cryptosporidium infections rose 44% from 1996-1998 to 2007.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is the sometimes deadly complication of exposure to STEC (Shiga-toxin producing E. Coli) O157 that can cause serious kidney damage. The rate of HUS declined between 2001 and 2004, but increased in both 2005 and 2006. There were 21 major recalls of ground beef products in 2007 ñ 10 associated with E. coli O157 illness outbreaks. According to the CDC ñ

ìAdditional efforts are needed to control STEC [E. coli] O157 in cattle and to prevent its spread to other food animals and food products, such as produce.î

The incidence of Salmonella infections is a special cause for concern, since the level of infections for several serotypes is increasing, and the current rate is more than double the national goal.

New ìState of Science Reviewsî Deepen the Science Supporting Two Key Benefits of Organic Food

The Centerís two new SSRs are getting around. The pesticide SSR is entitled ìSimplifying the Pesticide Risk Equation: The Organic Optionî and was released March 10, 2008. Access the full 49-page report, the Executive Summary, and press release on the Centerís website.

The SSR ìNew Evidence Confirms the Nutritional Superiority of Planted-Based Organic Foodsî was released March 18th. The study found that average levels of 11 nutrients are 25% higher in organic foods compared to conventional foods, based on 236 scientifically valid comparisons. Access the full report, Executive Summary, and supplemental material or the press release on the Centerís website.

Proanthocyanidins Block the Formation of Advanced Glycation Endproducts

We have covered in past issues of ìThe Scoopî recent research that shows clear correlations between a personís risk of Type II diabetes, the level of AGEs in their bloodstream, and risk of coronary heart disease. It is also known that AGEs can dramatically impair several aspects of the bodyís immune response, and that AGEs slow healing.

This new study is the first to show that a common antioxidant in food can block the formation of AGEs. Antioxidants block AGE formation by actively scavenging carbonyl species ñ an important class of reactive oxygen species (ROS), otherwise known as ìfree radicals.î

We know that organic farming increases antioxidant levels by about 25% to 30%, compared to conventional farming. Accordingly, enhanced blockage of the formation of AGEs may soon emerge as a new health benefit associated with consumption of organic food.

Source: X. Peng et al., ìCinnamon Bark Proanthocyanidins as Reactive Carbonyl Scavengers To Prevent the Formation of Advanced Glycation Endproducts,î Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Vol. 56, March 26, 2008, pages 1907-1911

What Beverages Deliver the Greatest Antioxidant Boost per Serving?

Fruit juices, tea, and wine are among the most popular beverages and in addition to satisfying thirst, they are important sources of vitamins, antioxidants, and calories. The February 27, 2008 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry includes a detailed comparative assessment of the antioxidant content 12 widely consumed beverages.

The top three of 12 beverages were pomegranate juice, red wine, and concord grape juice based on the DPPH test method.
Pomegranate juice was 57-times more potent than apple juice in inhibiting the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins.
Pomegranate juice scored 95.8 on an ìAntioxidant Potency Composite Indexî that the authors developed, compared to 68.3 for red wine and 14.6 for apple juice.
The three teas tested fell near the bottom of the list in terms of the composite index, with values of 12 to 24.

Copper Residues in Soils Not a Serious Problem in Australian Vineyards

Source: A.M. Wightwick et al., ìCopper Fungicide Residues in Australian Vineyard Soils,î Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Vol. 56, April 9, 2008, pages 2457-2464

Using Genetic Engineering to Accomplish What Nature Already Does

Breeders have often selected for varieties with enhanced disease and insect resistance by monitoring PPO levels.

Sources: E. Nunez-Delicado et al., ìEffect of Organic Farming Practices on the Level of Latent Polyphenol Oxidase in Grapes,î Journal of Food Science, Vol. 70, No. 1, 2005

S. Mahanil et al., ìOverexpression of tomato polyphenol oxidase increases resistance to common cutworm,î Plant Science, Vol. 174, No. 4, April 2008

Advisory Committee Calls for Organic Research ìRoadmapî

Source: Letter dated March 5, 2008 to the USDA Secretary Edward Schafer, from the Chair, NAREEE.

ìThe War on Bugsî Traces the Roots of Americaís Fixation on Pesticides

The book is published by Chelsea Green Publishing in White River Junction, Vermont.

Six Artificial Food Colors Banned in the U.K.

When it comes to source of color in food -

Dark + artificial = BAD
Dark + natural = GOOD

Remarkably, researchers projected that removal of these food colors from all food could prevent 30% of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) cases.

Source: ìFood agency calls for ban on six artificial colours,î Independent.co.uk, April 11, 2008.

Four OP Insecticides Targeted in Lawsuit

GM-Crop Yields Continue to Lag

Wal-Mart Decision to Sell rBGH-Free Milk Viewed as ìTipping Pointî

Back to top

China is increasing hog production by about 65 million head annually. Total U.S. hog production in 2007 was 108 million head.

China produces almost twice the hogs as the U.S. and Europe combined.

Source: Rod Smith, ìCEO: World has ëradically changedíî, Feedstuffs, March 15, 2008

The Brazilian company JBS S.A. will soon control 32% of the U.S. beef market, following closure of two acquisitions. JBS S.A. is by far the largest beef processor in the world.

Source: Rod Smith, Feedstuffs, March 17, 2008

Across age groups, children under five have the highest rate of infections caused by Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella and E. coli O157 bacteria.

Pet turtles and lizards, and touching the meat case in supermarkets are two primary sources of exposure to foodborne pathogens among children.

Source: MMWR, Centers for Disease Control, April 11, 2008

By creating multiple cartoons for Standard Oil from 1928 to 1943 showing people spraying

Source: Will Allen, ìThe War on Bugs,î Chelsea Green Publishing, page 113

Doing the Wrong Thing Systematically

By: Chuck Benbrook

The Wild Farm Alliance has compiled a shocking series of photographs that capture the changes in land use unfolding in and around California's Salinas Valley in the name of food safety.

These photos take no more than five minutes to look over. Warning -- these pictures will leave you outraged, and saddened.

Quietly since last summer the "dust hypothesis" has become accepted as the most plausible explanation of how the E. coli from the pasture got onto the spinach that caused the outbreak.

The Organic Center Presents Research Findings to the American Dietetic Association and American Public Health Association in the Same Week

A few days later he will be in San Diego, participating on a similar panel at the American Public Health Associationís annual meeting in San Diego.

Core Truths includes fascinating research about why:

Organic often tastes better
Organic produce contains, on average, 30 percent higher levels of antioxidants
Organic farming can cut mycotoxin risk by over 50 percent
Organic food dramatically reduces pesticide exposure
Organic farms typically use less energy

Order your copy now! Only $30 (plus $5 shipping and handling in US).
Click here for a preview of the book.
Click here to order.

Choose Organic for Motherís Day and Benefit The Organic Center

The Organic Center's on-line fundraising program - Become a Friend of The Organic Center

The Organic Center's fundraising program featuring Jerry Garcia artwork

Our Research ñ
Individuals can support the scientific work of The Organic Center by:

Sharing new information, data, or "Hot Science," email our Chief Scientist
Helping us identify scientists that can contribute to our work, email Chuck Benbrook
Making a contribution, click here

Join Mission Organic 2010 as an individual
Distributing or reprinting excerpts from our studies
Making a donation to our communications program

For more information about our affinity marketing program, email Seleyn DeYarus
Learn more about the health and environmental impacts of Mission Organic 2010

"The Scoop," is an electronic newsletter published monthly by The Organic Center. For a free subscription, visit www.organic-center.org.

Editor: Chuck Benbrook, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, The Organic Center
Design and Circulation: Karen Lutz Benbrook

The Organic Center
P.O. Box 20513
Boulder, CO USA 80308
tel 303.499.1840
fax 419.858.1042
www.organic-center.org

Go Green, Live Rich

2008-04-08T17:04:00.000-06:00

Most people fear global warming and want a healthier planet. But most people also believe that "going green" is a luxury, an expensive choice they can't afford. What if I told you that going green doesn't have to be expensive -- and, in fact, you can go green and save money, and if you invest green you can get rich?

What if there were easy, simple things you could do that not only protect the earth but also protect your family's finances?

Profit by Recycling

We live in a throw-away society. You'd be amazed at what some people throw away -- everything from bathtubs to books. But the truth is, there's no such place as "away." Every day in the United States, roughly 690,000 tons of materials are dumped in landfills, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. And only a small fraction of that is legitimate waste.

If you've read my book "Start Late, Finish Rich," then you are familiar with my advice to people who want to earn money on the side. In the book, I wrote about how to get rich on eBay, and it turns out that this is also excellent advice for people who want to go green and make more money.

It sounds absurd, but you can profit by recycling. By selling the things you are accustomed to throwing away. By buying used. By not buying just because there's a newer model. It's a whole new way of thinking about your "stuff." Some communities are even offering cash incentives for people who require less trash pickup, which you almost certainly will if you are dedicated to reusing, reselling, recycling, and gifting the things you no longer need. Read on to learn how.

Buy and Sell Everything

Even though you may no longer want your old rug or toaster, someone else will.

In New York, moving often means putting the "junk" you no longer want out on the curb and coming back half an hour later to find that it is gone. Clearly, your trash is someone else's treasure. And they might be willing to pay for it, too. As evidence, people traded $52 billion worth of items last year on eBay. That is $210 per user. Craigslist.org is another great place to sell your stuff, and because it's local it keeps shipping (which requires packaging and fuel) to a minimum.

Think before you buy, too. Do you really need an upgrade to replace something that works perfectly well? Buy used whenever possible. Why pay $250 or more for a brand-new futon frame, for instance, when you might find a barely used one for free on Freecycle.org? This is the kind of "green thinking" that puts money in your pocket by helping you not to take out your wallet in the first place.

Go Green actions steps:

• Set up an eBay account and start selling your unwanted stuff for a profit.

• Look for bargains online. Craigslist offers online classifieds for 450 cities worldwide.

• Shop for free. The Freecycle Network has more than 4 million members in 75 countries. It's a grassroots, nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns. According to their site, their service keeps more than 300 tons a day out of landfills!

• For great tips on how to have a profitable yard sale, visit Yardsalequeen.com.

• If you'd rather give than sell, you can donate items to your local charity thrift store. Even then, be sure to get a receipt for your donation, because it's tax-deductible. For information on deducting charitable contributions, go here.

Make $210 this year -- or a lot more -- selling your unwanted stuff on eBay.

We can all save 300 tons a day -- or a lot more -- from going into landfills.

Pay as You Throw

The amazing truth is that, depending where you live, 75 to 90 percent of your waste can be recycled. Things that can't be collected through curbside recycling -- such as electronics, paints, and batteries -- may still be recyclable at a local drop-off center.

Recycling is a special responsibility here in America, where we produce more than a third of the world's garbage: 4.5 pounds of trash per person every day. More than half of it ends up in landfills, where it emits more methane -- a greenhouse gas -- than any other source. Eventually, those landfills leak toxic materials into the surrounding soil and water.

Luckily, there's a new trend known as a pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) program. PAYT programs charge residents a fee (between $1 and $2) for each bag or can of waste. So garbage collection gets treated like electricity, gas, and other utilities -- you pay for what you use. It's a great incentive to recycle more, compost more, and buy items with less packaging -- and save money.

Go Green actions steps:

• Recycle everything you can. Learn your community's recycling program. Go here to find recycling programs in your area.

• Pay as you throw. According to the EPA, more than 7,000 communities nationwide have PAYT garbage programs in place -- and that number is growing. If your community doesn't yet offer a PAYT program, ask your town planner or local elected representatives to visit the EPA website, where they can click on "Waste" in the Quick Finder, then select Pay as You Throw.

• Manufacturers are becoming more aware that customers don't want products wrapped in materials like Styrofoam and nonrecyclable plastic (60 percent of which ends up in landfills!). Reward the do-gooders (such as Celestial Seasonings, which uses biodegradable plastic wrap and doesn't put tags on its tea bags, saving tons of paper and staples) by looking for products that use the least amount of packaging.

• The aluminum cans we throw away each year use up the equivalent of 16 million barrels of oil, enough to fuel a million cars for a year.

Save an average of $26 a year by "paying as you throw."

PAYT keeps 6.5 millions of tons from landfills annually.

Get Rid of Junk Mail

In America, shopping is a leisure activity. We don't even have to leave our homes. Every day, catalogs and junk mail fill our mailboxes with temptation to buy things we don't need. In 2006, we bought $160 billion in merchandise from catalogs. Recycling your catalogs without reading them is one of the easiest ways to get rich (or at least not get poor!) by recycling.

According to Catalog Choice, more than 8 million tons of trees are used each year to produce 19 billion catalogs, requiring enough energy to power 1.2 million homes for a year and producing as many emissions as 2 million cars. They're then sent to consumers via plane and truck, burning up fossil fuels and adding to global warming. Sears alone sends out more than 425 million catalogs a year -- that's nearly a catalog and a half for every single person in the country.

As for junk mail, the average adult is on at least 50 mailing lists, resulting in about 40 pounds of mail sent our way each year. And we forward nearly half of it to the landfill unopened. (Recycle it!)

Luckily, "opt out" legislation now provides websites and phone numbers that let you just say no to junk mail and catalogs.

Go Green actions steps:

• Cancel your catalogs. Most catalog mailers use the Abacus database, so taking yourself off the list helps eliminate many catalogs at once. Go here to "opt out" of catalog junk mail.

A new website, Catalog Choice, lets you opt out of catalog mailing lists individually. Sign up here, and then each time you receive a catalog you don't want, enter its name into the site's database and decline it.

• Cut down on junk mail (fliers and envelopes, rather than catalogs). Call (888) 5OPTOUT (567-8688).

• Decline unsolicited credit card offers. Go to OptOutPrescreen.com.

Save $1,413 per year on catalog purchases.

Together, we all save 8 million tons of trees a year.

* * *

"Go Green, Live Rich" is printed on recycled paper. A portion of the proceeds from the book is being donated to Waterkeeper Alliance, a grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to preserving and protecting our waterways from polluters.

We want to hear from Yahoo! Finance readers on ways you've gone green and saved some cash! Post your comments, email them to us, and the 10 best will get an autographed copy of "Go Green, Live Rich."

Buy a book and help save the earth! Take part in our online campaign beginning April 1 to help raise $100,000 to protect our waterways and plant 1,000 trees to fight climate change. You'll also get free bonus gifts and be entered to win a stay for two at Amansala, an eco-chic resort in Mexico! Click here for details. (Yahoo! is not associated with this drawing and shall not be responsible or liable for its implementation or outcome.)

From the Scoop at organic-center.org

2008-03-31T15:13:00.000-06:00

In This Issue:

Organic Center Releases Two "State of Science Reviews"

Work underway for 18-months has finally come to fruition. Two “State of Science Reviews” are being released in March and should contribute significantly to the public’s understanding of two core benefits of organic food and farming.

"Simplifying the Pesticide Risk Equation: The Organic Option" was released March 10, 2008. Access the full 49-page report, the Executive Summary, and press release on the Center's website; This report, written by Chief Scientist Chuck Benbrook, answers three common questions-

Which organic foods should a consumer seek out to avoid possibly dangerous pesticide exposures?
To what degree might organic food reduce pesticide dietary exposures and risk?
The "so-what" question -- How will my health, and the health of my family change if we eliminate most pesticide exposure via the diet by consuming organic food?

And the answers are:

half-dozen high risk fresh fruits and vegetables;
97%; and,
A lot, especially for the country’s 4 million pregnant women, their babies, and fathers to be each year.

As part of our efforts to reach consumers with practical information in “The Organic Option” report, we have produced a consumer’s guide to the riskiest foods in the spring-summer-fall based on residues in domestically-grown foods, and a similar list for imported fruits and vegetables primarily in the market in the winter. Access our “Organic Essentials” guide from the website.

“New Evidence Confirms the Nutritional Superiority of Planted-Based Organic Foods” will be released to the media Tuesday March 18th. The full report, Executive Summary, and press release will be posted on Monday March 17th.

This report is the culmination of two years of work. The team that carried out the work and co-authored the report includes –

Dr. Xin Zhao, University of Florida Department of Horticulture. With support from the Center, Xin developed a database that contains the detailed results of over 100 studies.
Dr. Jaime Yáñez, School of Pharmacology, Washington State University (WSU), designed the screening method to assure the reliability of a study’s analytical methods.
Dr. Neal Davies, School of Pharmacology, WSU, provided key guidance in study interpretation and in screening analytical methods.
Dr. Preston Andrews, Department of Horticulture, WSU, helped conceive the study design, the screening methods, and the presentation of study results.
Dr. Chuck Benbrook, Organic Center, cracked the whip, contributed to the design of the study, and helped write the report.

Thanks also to Karen Benbrook who did a masterful job with the complex analytical work required to estimate the differences in nutrient levels across 236 comparisons of organically and conventionally grown foods.

The report provides strong evidence that for the most important of 11 nutrients, organic foods definitely are more nutrient dense, and often by a considerable margin. Across the 11 nutrients, organic foods contained on average 25% higher concentrations of nutrients.

The report points out that more than 40 new studies have been published since 2001.

The dramatic increase in high-quality studies in recent years has changed what this body of science shows. Until a few years ago, scientists were on solid ground in saying “We simply don’t know” when asked if organic foods are, in general, more nutritious.

Anyone that sticks to that answer now is not current with the literature. The confidence placed in the conclusions reached in the Center’s new SSR will be strengthened by important new studies soon to be published – including the Center-funded strawberry fruit quality project carried out by a team at Washington State University. We are hoping to tell you about that study’s powerful findings in the next “The Scoop.”

Editor’s Note – Multiple studies show that levels of carotenoids/Vitamin A, protein and nitrates are often elevated in high-yield conventional crops, while on organic farms, levels of Vitamin C, polyphenols, and antioxidants are often elevated and concentrations of protein, carotenoids, and nitrates are lower. Ever wonder why? We’ve got the answer…and it is rooted in plant physiology...

The OP Insecticide Diazinon Alters the Wiring of the Developing Brain

Almost every issue of Environmental Health Perspectives contains a new study exploring the ways organophosphate (OP) insecticides disrupt the developing brain and nervous system. In the March 2008 issue the focus is on diazinon.

The team of government-funded scientists found that very low levels of diazinon reduced the number of brain cells, altered the function of acetylcholine synapses, and disrupted the normal pattern of brain development, leading to “lasting deficits in cognitive performance and alterations in emotional responsiveness.”

Source: “T.A. Slotkin et al., “Neonatal Exposure to Low Doses of Diazinon: Long-Term Effects on Neural Cell Development and Acetylcholine Systems,” Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 116, No. 3, March 2008

Organic Production Increases Some Nutritional Attributes of Rio Red Whole Grapefruit

A carefully-designed study comparing conventional and organic production of pink grapefruit in Texas has been published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (Vol. 55, 2007). The team was led by Dr. Gene Lester, a newly appointed member of the Center’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC).

Organic production had higher levels of ascorbic acid, certain health-promoting flavonoids, and sugars, and was lower in nitrates (a desirable nutritional attribute). It also had thinner, more yellow peels that would have graded “U.S. Fancy,” a quality grade above the conventional fruit. Plus, the organic fruit had higher specific gravity, which is regarded as commercial advantage.

Conventional fruit was better colored, higher in lycopene, and the juice was less tart. It grew faster, reached a heavier weight, had a thicker and darker peel than the organic fruit, but as the season progressed, the organic fruit caught up.

Independent Team Confirms that the Common Corn Herbicide Atrazine Disrupts Frog Development

Six years ago U.C. Berkeley zoologist Tyronne Hayes published research showing that extremely low levels of the herbicide atrazine could disrupt the morphological development of frogs. Despite repeating the study three times with similar results, the pesticide’s manufacturer, Syngenta, was able to fund other scientists who were unable to replicate the results and argued before the EPA that the work of Hayes could not be regarded as definitive.

Now a team at Tufts University has added a worrisome new dimension to this debate. They decided to study the impacts of low levels of atrazine in pond water at the early stages of tadpole development (Hayes studied the metamorphosis of tadpoles to frogs). By looking at this earlier stage of development –

“We found a significant dose-dependent increase in the percentage of atrazine-exposed tadpoles with malformations of multiple tissues including the main body axis, circulatory system, kidney, and digestive system.”

Source: J.R. Lenkowski et al., “Pertubation of Organogenesis by the Herbicide Atrazine in the Amphibian Xenopus laevis,” Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 116, No. 2, February 2008

Vegetables, but not Fruit may Reduce Risk of Diabetes

Scientists report that vegetables rich in fiber, antioxidants, and magnesium, and with a low glycemic index, can reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes. Fruits, however, were not found to deliver the same benefits.

Consumption of 428 grams of vegetables per day (about eight servings) was associated with a 28% lower risk of Type-2 diabetes, compared to people consuming 121 grams (less than three servings).

Source: Raquel Villegas, Journal of Nutrition.

CLA may Help Combat Obesity in Children

A team of scientists has shown that piglets receiving higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in their diet gained 50% less body fat than piglets less CLA. This is the latest of several studies that have suggested that CLA can play a positive role in weight management.

The scientists speculate that the prevention of childhood obesity may emerge as another health benefit of organic dairy farming, which leads to elevated levels of CLA, especially during periods of the year when dairy animals are grazing on lush pasture.

Source: B.A. Corl, CLA Reduces Body Fat Accretion and Lipogenic Gene Expression in Neonatal Pigs Fed Low- and High-Fat Formulas,” Journal of Nutrition, March 2008

U.K. Organic Chicken Farms have a Markedly Lower Rate of Salmonella Infections

Scientists in the U.K. surveyed 454 commercial chicken farms in 2004-2005, of which 54% were positive for Salmonella.

About one-quarter of the isolates were resistant to one or more antibiotics.

On conventional farms with caged hens, 23.4% of the farms tested positive for Salmonella, compared to just 4.8% in free range organic flocks, and 6.4% in conventional free-range flocks.

The research also showed that the bigger the holding size of chicken barns, the greater the Salmonella infection rate. Farms with 30,000 birds or more in one barn had four-times the infection rate of organic farms with the maximum size barn allowed by the Soil Association (5,000 birds or less).

Source: L.C. Snow et al., “Survey of the prevalence of Salmonella species on commercial laying farms in the United Kingdom,” The Veterinary Record, October 6, 2007

What’s the difference between a toy poodle and a standard poodle? A faulty IGF-1 hormone system.

IGF-1 is a potent and essential growth hormone vital to all mammals, as well as to many other species, including flies.
It has been in the news throughout the debate over genetically-engineered bovine growth hormone (rBGH) because cows given the drug produce milk with slightly elevated IGF-1 levels. Years ago, Monsanto scientists convinced FDA scientists that the modest elevation of IGF-1 levels in milk from treated cows is not biologically relevant, since the differences fall within normal biological variation across cows. Even back when rBGH was first approved, that line of reasoning was criticized by some scientists, but their concerns were dismissed.

But throughout the 1990s evidence mounted that IGF-1 played a role in cancer, and now it is universally accepted that every cancer cell needs IGF-1 to grow. In fact, the predominant theory today is that an over-supply of IGF-1 receptors is what makes some cancer cells thrive and become life-threatening tumors, while others remain dormant and are easily contained by a person’s immune system.
Epidemiological studies have now confirmed for several cancers that the higher the IGF-1 levels in a person’s blood, the greater the risk of cancer. So even the “modest” increase in IGF-1 levels in milk from cows treated with rBGH is increasing the cancer risk for those people with either an oversupply of IGF-1, or over-active IGF-1 receptors.

Even more worrisome -- cutting edge research suggests that prenatal or early-life exposure to elevated levels of IGF-1 can alter the patterns of hormone production later in life and/or the number of IGF-1 receptors.

Source: Laura Bell, “Weighty Evidence,” Science News Online, February 16, 2008, Vol. 173, No. 7

Polyphenols can Help Lower Acrylamide in Bakery Products

Acrylamide is a toxic Advanced Glycation Endproduct (AGE) that is formed when starchy foods are baked, roasted, fried or toasted. Scientists discovered elevated levels in French fries about five years ago, triggering intensive work by food regulatory agencies around the world.

Dozens of research reports have confirmed the toxicity of acrylamide, which is a risk factor for several cancers and diseases, and documented the various sources of acrylamide in the diet. Bakery products are one of the common sources.

A paper in the Journal of Cereal Science has shown that the addition of low molecular weight polyphenols like the antioxidant Vitamin C can help reduce the formation of acrylamide. The presence of antioxidants in wheat-based bakery products apparently provides alternative molecular partners for chemical reactions to target that, in the absence of antioxidants, can lead to the formation of acrylamide.

This paper provides the first evidence in support of a mechanism through which organic farming can reduce the frequency and levels of acrylamide in food. Through its increase in average antioxidant levels, and in particular Vitamin C, organic farming might be helping reduce acrylamide formation.

Source: A. Claus et al., “Acrylamide in cereal products: A review,” Journal of Cereal Science, Vol. 47, No. 2, March 2008

FDA Offers Poster with Nutrition Info on Fruits and Vegetables

The FDA has posted consumer-friendly posters with detailed nutritional information on fruits and vegetables including –

Serving sizes,
Calories, and calories from fat, and total fat,
Sodium, potassium, and iron,
Total carbohydrates and sugars,
Fiber and protein,
Vitamins A and C.

Access these attractive posters at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/nutinfo.html from the FDA website. They come in three sizes. Posters with nutritional information on seafoods are also now available.

Soil Association Bans Nanoparticles

As of January 2008 the U.K.’s Soil Association has banned the use of man-made nanomaterials in certified organic products. Health and beauty products are likely to be the most heavily impacted in the foreseeable future.

Source: Soil Association Press Release, January 17, 2008

OMRI Receives ISO-65 Accrediatition

The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) has achieved USDA accreditation under the International Organization for Standardization Guide 65 (ISO-65). This milestone for OMRI will expand the ways that certifiers and organic farmers and food companies can rely on OMRI’s reviews of materials for compliance with the USDA’s National Organic Program rule.

OMRI now reviews the products of 600 companies. There are 1,600 products on OMRI’s approved list.

Several States Move to Label Meat and Animal Products from Cloned Animals or their Progeny

At least 13 states are working toward passage of legislation that would require a label or warning sign on meat, milk, or eggs from cloned animals. The biotech industry is aggressively opposing the bills, and pushing legislation of their own that would outlaw labels on food alerting consumers that milk is from cows not treated with rBGH injections.

Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski introduced legislation in 2007 that would have required the following wording on product labels: “This product is from a cloned animal or its progeny.”

Source: Pallavi Gogoi, “States Move to Label Cloned Food,” BusinessWeek, March 4, 2008

Biotech Acres Keep Climbing and Profits Keep Growing…

A new industry study reports 12% growth in the global area planted to genetically-engineered (GE) crops in 2007. A total of 12 million farmers are planting GE-seeds, most of them small growers in India and Asia. Herbicide-tolerant soybeans account for just over half global acreage.

The author predicts that “the number of biotech countries, crops, traits, area and farmers will all grow substantially in the second decade of adoption.”

In a story entitled “GMO crops are transforming agri-business,” The Economist wrote that opposition in Europe to GMO feeds is breaking down because of the dramatic increase in feed grain process and the limited supply of non-GMO feeds on the global market. The CEO of BASF projects GM-technology sales of $50 billion by 2025, up from $6 billion in 2006.

A Monsanto executive “likens the [biotech] industry’s situation to the early days of the personal computer…” and predicts that “corn yields will double between now and 2030.” In Monsanto’s worldview –

“Like in the software industry, intellectual property rights give our technology value.”

Editor’s Note – These sorts of claims are what makes so many people deeply distrustful of Monsanto. It is ridiculous for them to predict that their genetics will double corn yields in 22 years. Sure, a few farmers bitten by the high-yield-contest bug might create a system that will produce 450 bushels of corn on a field yielding 225 bushels today, but don’t ask about the cost, the amount of nitrogen applied, or even think about drinking the groundwater if most farmers in the area are trying to push yields anywhere near that level.

And then there is Monsanto’s dismissive attitude toward all plant genetic resources. Are we to believe that added value in corn hybrids can only come from the work of Monsanto gene-jockeys, and their patented transformation techniques? This of course implies that the corn genome that has evolved over thousands of years, and belongs to all mankind, is next to worthless without the magic touch from the fine folks in St. Louis.

One wonders how Monsanto can continue to get away with this sort of rhetoric. But it surely does – Monsanto sales and profits are through the roof and as a corporation, it is far stronger than it was just four years ago. Very few academics, independent experts, or reporters covering the ag biotech beat dare question Monsanto’s PR because, from years of practice, Monsanto has perfected the art of silencing critics, or even skeptics, who are dependent on a pay check from an academic institution or government agency.

Sources: Clive James, International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications.

“GMO crops are transforming agri-business,” The Economist, February 27, 2008

Multiple-Herbicide Resistant Weeds Continue Spreading in Farm Country…

Not only are the number of weed species resistant to glyphosate (Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide) increasing and spreading at a rapid pace, but now, many weed species are showing resistance to several different herbicide modes of action.

Some waterhemp populations are now resistant to glyphosate, ALS herbicides (another 10+ products), and PPO-inhibiting herbicides (another 6+ products).

A recent retailer survey revealed that 51,000 acres in the State of Missouri may be suffering from glyphosate resistance.

Seed companies report that in the next 3-5 years 80% of the acreage in corn soybean rotations will be planted to both RR corn and RR soybeans, creating the long-feared “perfect storm” for the emergence of resistance.

Source: Mike Wilson, “Multiple-Resistance Weeds: Coming to a Field Near You?”, Western Farmer Stockman, February 27, 2008

Monsanto Pulling the Plug on the Original Bollgard Cotton and Preparing to Shaft Georgia Cotton Growers

The mainstay of the Georgia cotton industry for years has been Bollgard cotton, Monsanto’s initial Bt-cotton technology. But because of fears of resistance, Monsanto chose to not seek EPA reregistration of the technology, which is now being phased out. The last Bollgard seeds will be planted in 2010.

What’s next for Georgia cotton farmers? Monsanto is rolling out Bollgard II plus Roundup Ready flex technology – a multiple stacked gene variety that will cost growers about $113 more per acre, and produce $100 less cotton per acre, based on University of Georgia yield trials.

A University of Georgia cotton extension agent projects the loss of the higher-yielding original Bollgard technology will cost the State’s cotton industry up to $100 million per year.

No explanation has been offered why Monsanto’s latest, “improved” cotton genetics suffers from such a substantial yield drag.

Source: “Cotton variety loss may have major impact here,” The Moultrie Observer, February 9, 2008

Biotech Genes Keep Moving Around and Showing Up in Where They are Not Supposed to Be

A new report from Greenpeace has documented 39 instances just in 2007 of the improper spread of genetically-engineered crops and genes. Past episodes of GE-genes on the go involved Star-Link corn and Liberty-Link rice. Star-Link cost the U.S. government about $1 billion, and the company well over $1 billion when a major class action lawsuit was settled. The costs of the Liberty-Link episode, once the lawsuit dust settles, are expected to approach $1 billion.

The latest episode involves the escape of a GE-corn variety developed by Dow AgroSciences. The variety was grown on a research farm, but seeds somehow got mixed into the commercial seed supply. The costs of this most recent episode are yet to be determined.

Source: “Greenpeace: GM-crops spread improperly 39 times in 2007,” Associated Press, February 28, 2008

Straus Family Creamery Finds GMOs in 33% of its Organic Corn Feed Supply

Straus Family Creamery is at the forefront of companies trying to prevent the “adventitious presence” of GMOs in the dairy feed given to its cows. The Creamery is testing every incoming shipment of corn and soybeans with a rapid-test kit sensitive down to a 0.9% GM-content threshold. Even at this threshold, one-third of the corn shipments are found to be contaminated.

Farm owner Albert Staus told “Sustainable Food News” that –

“I started this program in order to safeguard my livelihood as an organic farmer.”

Source: Sustainable Food News, February 26, 2008

Three Scientists Join the Center’s Scientific Advisory Committee

Three new members have joined the Center’s “Scientitifc and technical Advisory Committee, or STAC –

Dr. Edward (Ned) Groth, consultant, Pelham, New York. For years, Ned served as the food safety expert for Consumers Union.
Dr. Donald Davis, Emeritus Professor, University of Texas-Austin. Don is a widely recognized expert in nutritional biochemistry, and has become interested in the health-promoting capacity of organic foods.
Dr. Preston Andrews, professor of horticulture, Washington State University, has been a patient advisor and partner on many Center projects, and is a co-author of the new Nutrient Content SSR.

Thanks to these gentlemen, and all other members of STAC, for their willingness to guide the scientific work of the Center.

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The price of hard red spring wheat set a new record on February 25th -- $24.00 per bushel. The price fluctuated around $5.00 a bushel a year ago.

Source: Wall Street Journal, February 27, 2008

Thousands of paramilitary troops have been deployed in Pakistan since January to guard trucks carrying wheat and flour.

Source: David Streitfeld, “A Global Need for Grain That Farms Can’t Fill,” New York Times, March 9, 2008

The levels of Vitamin C and health promoting flavonoids and antioxidants are elevated in organic fruits and vegetables, compared to conventional produce, because of the levels and forms of nitrogen applied by conventional farmers. Want to know why? – Read the new nutrient content SSR’s section on plant physiology.
30% of the U.S. corn crop will be used to produce ethanol in just two years (2010).

Pesticide-products of choice on conventional farms are 479-times more toxic per acre treated than the pesticides used by organic farmers to manage common insects and plant diseases.

Source: Table 6, “Simplifying the Pesticide Risk Equation: The Organic Option,” an Organic Center State of Science Review, March 2008

People working on conventional hog farms are at heightened risk of picking up a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. MRSA bacteria from hog farms now account for 20% of all human MRSA infections in the Netherlands (despite aggressive EU-limits on subtherapeutic antibiotic use).

Source: “Study links MRSA, pig density,” Feedstuffs, December 10, 2007

Three insecticides had to be sprayed on Bt-cotton in a trial carried out in Tifton, Georgia in 2004, to avoid economically devastating yield and crop quality losses.

The highest economic returns per acre in 2000 and 2001 cotton trials were to nontransgenic varieties; Roundup Ready cotton was the least profitable.

Source: P. Jost et al., “Economic Comparison of Transgenic and Nontransgenic Cotton Production Systems in Georgia,” Agronomy Journal, Vol. 100, Issue 1, 2008

The U.S. Department of Agriculture was the only federal agency singled out for a significant research budget cut (down 15.5%) in the proposed FY 2009 budget sent forth by the Bush Administration in January.

Source: Chemical and Engineering News, February 11, 2008

Excerpts from the Closing Address at the Oregon Tilth Annual Meeting January 19, 2008

“The Debate Continues – Local, Scale, Values, and Finding Common Ground”
By: Chuck Benbrook

These comments do not reflect the views or positions of The Organic Center. A longer version of the talk has been on the Center's website at:

http://www.organic-center.org/science.comment.php?action=view&report_id=123

Starting in 2005 with controversy over the Harvey lawsuit, and reinforced since by open-warfare over large-scale organic dairies and the quest for an enforceable pasture rule, divisive issues and tactics within the organic community have pitted activists against farmers, processor against processor, and farmers against other farmers. The rugged debate over scale in the organic dairy industry has generated news and commentary questioning the integrity of currently certified farms, certifiers, the NOP staff, the rule, and organic food itself. The give-and-take of the debate has cast a dark shadow over all organic farmers and businesses, and grows like a cancer within….

There is a strong contingent in the organic community, spanning pioneers and newcomers, which cannot see any good coming from these developments [large companies and large farms getting involved in the organic sector]. For them, organic farming, and the food movement it has spawned, is primarily about saving the family farm…

For these people, support for and involvement in the organic food sector is more about social justice and creating an alternative economic model that will sustain small and moderate scale farmers as a viable island within a larger, increasingly “sick” conventional food system….

Others see the growth in diversity and size of companies producing organic food as good news, and a sign that consumers and the market place are responding to the proven benefits of organic food. They hope that as more companies get into the sector, and as more infrastructure is dedicated to organic product streams, the price premium for organic food will begin to fall and the availability of organic products will widen…

Many of these people have their roots in the consumer and environmental communities, and were drawn to the organic movement by its potential to promote public health by fixing what ails the American diet. They believe deeply that organic food is better for people and the land, and for farm animals, and they want to see these benefits spread as far and wide across the agricultural landscape as possible, reaching as many people as possible with nutritious, good tasting organic food, three times a day, day in and day out, and for them 3% of food sales is just not good enough.

The growing tensions within the organic community have their roots in these different reasons for being involved with organic farming and food productions, processing, distribution, consumption and advocacy. Put in overly simplistic terms, one group of us cares more about changing how all food is grown, for the health of our land and people, while another group cares more about sustaining small and midsize family farms, and associated food distribution businesses....

We need to recognize and honor these important reasons for supporting organic farmers and the organic food industry, and should anticipate and welcome the emergence of new reasons motivating people to become part of our community.

Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., to Present at The Organic Center's 5th Annual VIP Dinner:

"Serious Science, Serious Benefits"

When: Friday, March 14, 2008, 7:30 - 9:30 PM at Natural Products Expo West
Where: Platinum Ballroom, Anaheim Marriott, Anaheim, CA

Join us for the 5th Annual VIP Dinner: "Serious Science, Serious Benefits" and enjoy an informative and lively evening with a welcoming address by world renowned holistic physician and author Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. VIP Dinner

Tickets are $175 and include a pass to the Organic Trade Association's 2008 Organic Industry Reception, 6 - 8PM in the Grand Ballroom, Anaheim Marriott, with a Silent Auction to benefit The Organic Center. For OTA members, tickets to the dinner are being offered for $150, a $25 discount.

This is an important annual fundraising gathering for The Organic Center. We welcome organic business leaders, old friends and extend a warm invitation to new friends to gather with us. Come learn about our ongoing efforts to generate credible, peer-reviewed scientific information and communicate the verifiable benefits of organic farming and products to society.

Your company can participate in several ways

Become a sponsor
Host a Table
Donate products for the Silent Auction
Contribute food, beverages or décor for the dinner

To buy tickets, become a sponsor, host a table or donate product please contact, Development Director, Seleyn DeYarus, at 303.499.1840, or email Seleyn DeYarus.

Summary of Scientific Milestones in 2007 Featured in Cover Story in Organic Processing Magazine

Thanks to Organic Processing Magazine for publishing the article “The Link Between Organic and Health: New Research Makes the Case for Organic Stronger,” by Chuck Benbrook and pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene, chair of the Center’s Board of Directors.

The lengthy story covers a wide range of topics and offers a reader-friendly roadmap through the most significant new science to emerge in 2007. Again thanks to Organic Processor Magazine, we have permission to share the article with you. Just click, and enjoy.

http://www.organic-center.org/science.comment.php?action=view&report_id=127

Major Organic Session Approved for October Meeting of the American Dietetic Association (ADA)
Over 15,000 dietitians and nutrition educators typically attend the annual meeting of the ADA, which will be held this year October 26-28 in Chicago. The organic session is entitled "The Science of Organics: Nourishing the Land, Animals, and People in the 21st Century". STAC member Chris McCullum-Gomez will moderate the session. Chuck Benbrook and Helen Costello are the speakers. Susan Roberts submitted the successful proposal to the ADA.

Thanks to Organic Valley for agreeing to underwrite the costs of the session.

Core Truths includes fascinating research about why:

Organic often tastes better
Organic produce contains, on average, 30 percent higher levels of antioxidants
Organic farming can cut mycotoxin risk by over 50 percent
Organic food dramatically reduces pesticide exposure
Organic farms typically use less energy

Order your copy now! Only $30 (plus $5 shipping and handling in US).
Click here for a preview of the book.
Click here to order.

The Organic Center is pleased to announce our new on-line fundraising program - Become a Friend of The Organic Center

We can now accept secure on-line donations with both yearly and monthly giving options. We also have wonderful gifts to say thank you for your support – including a free one-year subscription to Organic Gardening magazine, organic t-shirt, organic tote bag, our book, Core Truths and Dr. Alan Greene's new book, Raising Baby Green. We have many ways to say thank you for supporting our work.
For more information

The Organic Center announces new fundraising program featuring Jerry Garcia artwork

A new fundraising initiative to benefit the scientific research mission of The Organic Center features a series of prints from Jerry Garcia original artwork. The series, "In the Garden," is made possible through the generosity of filmmaker Deborah Koons Garcia.

The first series of prints, "In the Garden," is now available and includes five prints, each priced at $250. The full series is offered at $1,000. The series includes such works as "Snail Garden," "Another Butterfly," "Beehive," "Banyan Tree II," and "Butterfly Study." Images of the prints can be viewed above with more information available on the Center's website.

Our Research –
Individuals can support the scientific work of The Organic Center by:

Sharing new information, data, or "Hot Science," email our Chief Scientist
Helping us identify scientists that can contribute to our work, email Chuck Benbrook
Making a contribution, click here

Companies, foundations, or individuals can support work by The Organic Center on a critical issue, or in a specific area through our donor directed research program. Contact Dr. Benbrook for details.

Our Outreach and Communication Program –
Informed consumers drive the organic marketplace. Help The Organic Center reach consumers with the latest science on the organic benefit by:

Join Mission Organic 2010 as an individual
Distributing or reprinting excerpts from our studies
Making a donation to our communications program

For more information about our affinity marketing program, email Seleyn DeYarus
Learn more about the health and environmental impacts of Mission Organic 2010

"The Scoop," is an electronic newsletter published monthly by The Organic Center. For a free subscription, visit www.organic-center.org.

Editor: Chuck Benbrook, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, The Organic Center
Design and Circulation: Karen Lutz Benbrook

The Organic Center
P.O. Box 20513
Boulder, CO USA 80308
tel 303.499.1840
fax 419.858.1042
www.organic-center.org