Archived press release
Go to our press releases area for our current press releases.
Organic apples win productivity and taste trials
18 April 2001
ORGANIC APPLES WIN OUT IN NEW SCIENCE STUDY
In a study to be published in Nature tomorrow (19th April) 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.
Commenting on the results of the research Sandra Bell, Real Food Campaigner for Friends of the Earth 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 nearly half (47%) 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.
Sustainability of three apple production systems, Nature, vol 410, 19 April 2001
Pesticide Data from Annual Report of the Working Party on Pesticide Residues 1999
(published by MAFF September 2000)
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
