Researchers getting it wrong: it’s not about what organic has extra, but about what it lacks

There has been a spate of newspaper stories recently reporting on studies that scientists have been doing, analysing the nutritional content of organic vegetables compared to conventional vegetables. Organic vegetables don’t have extra nutrients, researchers say, Organic food no more nutritious than conventionally grown, review finds, and so the stories go. While it may be the case that there are many other studies that have found nutrient differences in things like milk, kiwi fruits and tomatoes (in favour of organics), such studies really miss the mark when it comes to assessing the real value (or perhaps the lack thereof) of Organic farming methods.

Organic gardening is not about growing food with more nutrients, but about growing food with less harmful additives, like pesticides and herbicides. It is about removing artificial petrochemical fertilisers from our farming ecosystems, and about looking after the long-term health of the soil and land that bears our produce. I have a sneaking suspicion that the LA Times might have some money invested in some conventional farms, or may be receiving financial support from a large conventional farming company. Please note that this is just a suspicion and I cannot prove this possible link in any way (I would hate to be liable for slander or somesuch), but to write such articles about organic food without even quoting an organic advocate who could raise this most important point seems to me to be a case of grossly unethical journalism.

So, don’t let the fact that organic vegetables may not have any extra nutrients stop you from buying them. You are paying more to ensure they are not lathered in bug or plant poison. Let’s face it, all veggies are full of good nutrients, and we should be eating as many of them as possible. As an argument for growing your vegetables at home, vegetables are pretty much proven to be highest in nutrients straight after having been picked. Combine this real health benefit with the environmental and health positives of organics and you have the ideal food production system, one which delivers the goods for both the earth and you, home grown Organics!

Advertisement