Organic apples win out in new science study18 April 2001
A study published in Nature on 18 April reveals that apples produced in an organic system achieved similar yields and higher profitability as apples grown under a conventional system. The organic orchard had better environmental quality and energy efficiency. Mechanical analysis of the fruit backed up by a panel of tasters also found that the organic apples were sweeter and less tart than conventional apples.
The research was carried out in Washington State from 1994 to 1999. The results of the study which compared an organic orchard, an orchard using an integrated system and a conventional orchard, found no observable difference in pests, disease or physiological disorders among plots during each growing season.
Sandra Bell, Friends of the Earth Real Food Campaigner said: "Existing fans of organic food will not be surprised that this study found the organic apples tasted better. But many consumers will be shocked to find that the cocktail of chemicals regularly applied to non-organic apples may not be needed at all. This research shows that it is possible to grow high quality apples to the same yield without using pesticides which damage the environment and show up in our food as residues. Tony Blair has promised a review of agriculture - he should make sure that this includes a target for more organic farming backed up by Government support."
In 1999 47 per cent of apples tested contained pesticide residues, and multiple residues of up to three different pesticides were present in 12 of these samples. One of the most frequently occurring residues was chlorpyrifos - which has been linked to brain damage in rats.
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