Nutrient levels in both organic and conventionally-grown foods were
evaluated by reviewing data from 41 comparative studies on crops
produced with organic matter and inorganic fertilisers.  The study
showed that organic crops yield higher average levels of some 21
nutrients analysed. The results were most statistically significant
for Vitamin C (27% more), magnesium (29%), iron (21%) and phosphorus
(14%).  Ref:  "Nutritional Quality of Organic Versus Conventional
Fruits, Vegetables, and Grains," published in The Journal of
Alternative and Complimentary Medicine, Vol. 7, No. 2, 2001, 161-173.
V. Worthington, 2001.

These findings are consistent with those presented in the Soil
Association's 2001 Report. 'Organic farming, food quality & human
health, a review of the evidence', which covered many of the same
issues and background data the Food Commission cite.

"Data from the Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
shows that between 1940 and 1991, trace mineral in UK fruits and
vegetables fell by up to 76%, and United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) figures show similar declines.

"A 1998 review of over 60 research papers 'comparing nutrient contents
and animal health examined 1,230 individual nutrient comparisons. 56%
showed better nutrient levels in organically grown crops... Data
averaged 10 -20% in favour of organic; concluded there was a 'pattern
of better nutrient composition and better health in animals consuming
organic food.

"The available valid scientific evidence reviewed here demonstrates a
clear trend toward organically grown fruit and vegetables having
higher levels of desirable components such as dry matter, essential
minerals and Vitamin C than non-organically produced fruit and
vegetables.

"Although it is generally accepted that all nutrients removed from the
soil in crops should be replaced, modern non-organic agriculture
usually only replaces the elements required for plant growth -
nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (these three being commonly referred
to as 'NPK') and hence there is a continuing tendency in non-organic
systems for trace nutrient deficiencies to develop and increase."

The Living Soil, published in 1943, laid the foundations for the
formation of the Soil Association in 1946.  Lady Eve Balfour cited
research comparing arable fields treated with animal manures or
chemical fertiliser, observing that "...both plots had good crops with
strong straw and well-filled heads, the seeds were kept separate and
again two groups of rats from the same family were divided in equal
halves -- the one group fed from the chemically fertilised plot showed
every evidence of malnutrition -- those fed from the farmyard manured
plot had a perfectly normal healthy growth."

"On average, antioxidant levels increased by about 30 percent in
carefully designed comparative trials," said Davis. "Organically grown
produce offers significantly enhanced health-promoting qualities,
contributing to the achievement of important national public health
goals."  - Donald Davis, Biochemist, University of Texas

The World Bank warns that poor nutrition is a major cause of economic
impoverishment and that children suffer the most when society's
nutritional needs are not met.  Rather than relying on expensive drugs
that deplete the resources of world governments and fail to address
our most basic needs, it is time for health policy makers to divest
themselves of pharmaceutical interests in favor of meaningful
healthcare reform, aimed at improving access to nutrition and moving
these cultures forward.

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