The Knowledge Centre

All Things Bright And Beautiful
(Summary)

Robin Young of The Times of London, reported that as organic food sales are rising at a rate of 40 per cent each year, so are the "big-time professionals in the gentle art of consumer deception." Eco-activists have managed to convince millions of people that organic food is healthy and good, just as assuredly as genetically modified foods must be dangerous and undesirable.

The author attempts to explain the complexities between the various organic standards from country to country. Currently, the Soil Association has to rely on certification by organizations in the produce's country of origin. But even the Soil Association's own requirements are flexible, like allowing 1/3 of a hen's diet not to be organically produced without certification being called into question and still can call the product organic.

Geoffrey Hollis, who worked in the Ministry of Agriculture, has been a thorn in the side of the organic industry by forcing them to retract their claims that "organic food tastes better" and "is purer than conventional food and therefore produces less toxins in the body."

The fact remains that there is no conclusive evidence that organically produced food is either safer or less safe than that produced conventionally. "While some organic farming has environmental benefits, over-use of organic fertilizers can also lead to nitrogenous pollution, while any farming system, properly managed, can achieve the same environmental benefits that organic farming aims for and, contrary to what animal lovers like to believe, some principles of organic farming, particularly restrictions on the use of medicines, can jeopardize the health of animals rather than protect them."