Check out our new consumer-focused blog ”Mission Organic Made Easy” featuring fresh postings three days a week by Sara Snow, Annie Brown and Jamie Kelly. Since launching we have covered topics ranging from organic bedding, the obesity and pesticide link, organic crepes, what exactly is a GMO, and the ultimate recipe for happiness (with pictures). Here’s the link. “Organic Agriculture Promotes Evenness and Natural Pest Control” Scientists from Washington State University and the University of Georgia have provided the most compelling evidence to date backing up a widely accepted principle of organic farming – in diversity, there is both stability and resiliency. Crowder et al. (2010) studied organic and conventional potato fields in Washington State. They analyzed in several ways the impact of species diversity and the evenness of populations on pest control and feeding damage. By “evenness,” they refer to the degree to which any one organism dominates an ecosystem. In conventional potato fields, they found that “just one species accounted for up to 80% of individuals...” while in the organic fields, the dominant species never accounted for more than 38%. In their field work in Washington State, the higher degree of evenness in the organic potato fields “translates into pest densities 18% lower and plants 35% larger.” In a meta-analysis of 38 published studies on predator-prey levels and impacts on yields, the team concluded that “natural enemy evenness increases yield.” Their conclusions are striking and of great significance. After explaining that conventional, pesticide-based control systems disrupt species diversity and tend to create ecological niches filled by a few highly dominate species, the authors conclude that – “...organic farming methods mitigate this ecological damage by promoting evenness among natural enemies....very even communities of predator and pathogen biological control agents, typical of organic farms, exerted the strongest pest control and yielded the largest plants.” And just to drive home the point, Nature covered this important paper in an “Applied Ecology” news item that states matter-of-factly – “There is little doubt that organic farms generally support more biodiversity, with a higher abundance and greater species richness of many plant and animal groups.” (Turnbull and Hector, 2010) Sources: Crowder, D.W., Northfield, T.D., Strand, M.R., and W.E. Snyder. 2010. “Organic agriculture promotes evenness and natural pest control,” Nature, Vol. 466: 109-112. Turnbull, L.A., and A. Hector. 2010. “How to get even with pests,” Nature, Vol. 466: 36-37. Editor’s Note – The Washington State conventional potato industry remains remarkably pesticide dependent. The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) last surveyed pesticide use by Washington’s potato farmers in 2005. The average acre of WA conventional potatoes that year was sprayed with 17 pesticides, including six high-risk organophosphate and carbamate insecticides. An average of 14 pounds of pesticide active ingredient were sprayed on WA potatoes that year. This total includes 8.8 pounds of fungicides, 2.1 pounds of herbicides, and 3 pounds of insecticides. The above totals do not include the average 103 pounds per acre of "Other Pesticides" applied on Washington State potato fields. These other pesticides include the soil fumigant metam-sodium, which is applied at a rate of 158 pounds per acre and dichloropropene (applied at 160 pounds/acre). For the full details, the Center has posted a table summarizing Washington potato pesticide use in 2005. Even more surprising than the volume of pesticides needed to grow the average potato crop in Washington State is the reliance that year on aldicarb (Temik), the single most acutely toxic (to mammals) insecticide ever discovered. Over one-third of WA potato acres were treated with aldicarb in 2005. Aldicarb is systemic, which means it works by moving into a plant via uptake by plant roots. While a highly effective way for an insecticide to get into a plant, where it can then kill chewing and sucking insects, it is also a great way to get inside of food, where residues cannot be washed off. This is why virtually every acre of potatoes, or any other crop, treated with an efficacious dose of aldicarb will produce food with detectable levels of aldicarb and/or an aldicarb breakdown product like aldicarb sulfone. Because this insecticide is so toxic, any detectable residue in foods consumed frequently by pregnant women, infants, and children is likely to pose risks above what the EPA generally regards as acceptable. Fortunately, WA state conventional potato farmers have reduced their use of aldicarb in recent years. Now that the EPA has announced its decision to ban further crop use of carbofuran, another highly toxic carbamate, the agency will hopefully turn its attention to ending the few remaining food uses of aldicarb. NAS/NRC Releases New Look at Sustainable Agriculture Towards Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century (TSAS) was released on June 29th by the NAS/NRC. The 570-page book presents a comprehensive analysis of where the nation stands in its efforts to achieve four sustainability goals:
According to the TSAS report, “Sustainability is best evaluated not as a particular end state, but rather as a process that moves farming systems along a trajectory toward greater sustainability on each of the four goals.” The two reports are similar in some ways and different in others. The Center will be releasing soon a summary of each report’s findings, conclusions, and recommendations. TOC Chief Scientist Chuck Benbrook was the Executive Director of the NAS/NRC Board on Agriculture during the period the Alternative Agriculture report was completed and released. Access the new NAS/NRC TSAS report from the National Academy Press. A paperback version of the report, plus the full report and each chapter in individual pdf files, can be purchased as a bundle for around $60.00. Bt Corn Confers a Competitive Advantage to Western Bean Cutworms Until recently the western bean cutworm has only rarely been found in the heart of the Cornbelt. In 2000 some corn fields in Iowa were heavily damaged, and by 2008 it was present in most of the Cornbelt (Dorhout and Rice, 2010). This insect’s larvae damage corn crops by feeding directly on marketable kernels of corn. Twenty larvae per ear have been found in some heavily infested fields. Each larvae reduces yields by an estimated 3.7 bushels per acre. Corn earworms, European corn borers, and the western bean cutworm are a feeding guild – three insect species that exploit the same environmental resources in the same way. For this reason, anything that impacts the population of one of these three species has potential to alter the population dynamics of the other two.
In the case of non-Bt corn, corn earworms appear to totally dominate populations of western bean cutworms, driving survival rates to near zero, yet in Mon810 Bt corn fields, corn earworms are weakened and unable to control the western bean cutworms, and survival approaches 100% in some conditions (when the larvae of the two species are roughly of equal size). Source: Dorhout, D.L., and M.E. Rice. 2010. “Intraguild Competition and Enhanced Survival of Western Bean Cutworm on Transgenic Cry 1Ab (Mon810) Bt Corn,” Journal of Economic Entomology, Vol. 103, No. 1:54-62. Editor’s Note – This Iowa research provides a compelling example of the major finding reported in the just-published study on organic potato production (Crowder et al., 2010), discussed above. In corn fields, the presence of three species of completive insects – the European corn borer, corn earworm, and western bean cutworm – resulted in near total control of one of these species. The introduction of new technology (Bt corn) that effectively targeted and eliminated one (the European corn borer) both reduced the evenness of species and opened an ecological niche rapidly filled by an insect likely to prove more damaging than the European corn borer. Cases of “secondary pest” outbreaks, like the western bean cutworm in Iowa, are actually common and can be brought about through several mechanisms. For example, the widespread planting of Bt cotton in China has reduced applications of broad-spectrum insecticides, but triggered a 12-fold increase in mired bugs, a species that can reduce yields up to 50% (Lu, 2010). Unfortunately, this insect attacks multiple crops and has proven mobile across agricultural landscapes in China, causing damage in many crops in addition to cotton. Source: Lu, Y., et al., 2010. “Mirid Bug Outbreaks in Multiple Crops Correlated with Wide-Scale Adoption of Bt Cotton in China,” Science, Vol. 328: 1151-1154. More Good News About CLAs and Organic Milk
In this study (Smith et al., 2010), the higher the level of CLAs in adipose tissue, the lower the risk of heart attack. The one-fifth of people consuming the most milk had about one-half the risk of heart attack, compared to those who drank the least milk – evidence of a powerful protective impact. The authors concluded that consuming milk with elevated CLAs reduces the risk of heart attack, and may counteract or overcome the impact of increased saturated fat consumption. In another study published in the same issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Warensjo et al. (2010) conclude that milk consumption does not raise the risk of a first heart attack, despite the significant increase in saturated fat intake. Editor’s Note: It is ironic that the above noted issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Vol. 92, No. 1) contains the Smith et al. paper, as well as a paper by Dangour et al. concluding that “evidence is lacking for nutrition-related health effects that result from the consumption of organically produced foodstuffs.” Smith et al. provides very clear evidence of a substantial health benefit from consuming organic milk, despite the fact the Costa Rica study did not focus on the health benefits of organic milk. Of course, the Dangour-led team probably was unaware of the Smith el al. study, since these two papers moved through the publication process in tandem. But even if the Smith et al. paper had been published earlier and considered by the Dangour team, the paper would not have been judged relevant since it did not involve consumption of organic milk. Much of the exciting new science about the benefits of organic food and farming does not directly focus on either organic food or organic farming, but still produces results and insights that are directly relevant to organic food and farming. Sources: Smith, L.A., Baylin, A., and H. Campos. 2010. “CLA in adipose tissue and risk of myocardial infarction,” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 92, No. 1:34-30. Warensjo, E. Et al., 2010. “Biomarkers of milk fat and risk of myocardial infarction in men and women: a prospective, matched case-control study,” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 92, No. 1:194-202. Dangour, A.D. et al., 2010. “Nutrition-related health effects of organic foods: a systematic review,” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 92, No. 1:203-210.
The Food and Drug Administration has issued warning letters to livestock operations in four states over misuse of antimicrobial drugs. The letters were triggered by a series of over-tolerance findings of antibiotics in animal tissues. A remarkable 39 parts per million (ppm) of sulfamethazine was found in the liver of a beef heifer sold by Martin Food Lot in Harrisburg, Illinois – a level 390-times higher than the FDA’s tolerance for sulfamethazine in beef liver (0.1 ppm). Source: Dan Flynn, “FDA Finds Animal Drug Abuse in 4 States,” Food Safety Net News, May 13, 20210. New York Times Pushes for Stronger FDA Action on Antibiotics In a strongly worded June 29th editorial, the NYT called upon the FDA to move ahead aggressively in issuing rules governing the “judicious use” of antibiotics in animal agriculture. Such use would preclude, almost certainly, the feeding of sub-therapeutic levels of antibiotics in animal feed, a practice that accounts for 70% of total antibiotic use in the U.S., based on the last independent assessment of total antibiotic use. There is also some prospect that the long-stalled food safety bill in Congress might move after the 4th of July recess, and that an amendment may be offered to incorporate the substance of Congresswoman Slaughter’s proposed bill banning future subtherapeutic use of antibiotics of importance in treating human infections. The loss of subtherapeutic uses of antibiotics would invariably trigger major changes in large-scale, conventional livestock operations, but will have no impact on organic livestock operations. Tough Times for Monsanto The Wall Street Journal reported July 1, 2010 that Monsanto’s third quarter net profit declined by 45% and that the company has been “flayed by generic weedkiller competition and a farmer backlash against high-priced, genetically modified seeds.” The company is facing consumer fraud allegations from the Attorney General of West Virginia, over false and misleading claims over the performance of the much higher-priced Roundup Ready 2 soybean seed. Monsanto advertising claims a 7% to 11% yield increase with RR 2 soybeans, a promise not substantiated by research at Iowa State and Pennsylvania State Universities. Several other states are considering comparable actions under consumer protection laws. Despite an effort to spin the recent Supreme Court decision in the Roundup Ready alfalfa case as a major win for the biotech industry, the Center for Food Safety and many others have pushed back and explained what the court decided, and did not decide. In short, the ruling contained a minor procedural “victory” for Monsanto and the USDA, but no change in the status quo on several other issues and arguments brought before the Court. Dr. Brian Baker, now at Alfred State College, is a member of the Center’s scientific advisory committee. He provided the Center a clear and crisp assessment of the ruling. An excerpt of Baker’s comments follows –
Media coverage of the spread of glyphosate (Roundup) resistant weeds keeps spreading. The Associated Press circulated a major piece on June 21, 2010 entitled “Roundup resistant weeds pose environment threat.” The article describes efforts by the biotech industry to create new GMO plants tolerant of herbicides in addition to Roundup, including several that are much more toxic and damaging to the environment (David Mercer, Associated Press). Beef Feedlot Manure and Dust Likely Source of E. Coli O145 in Lettuce from Yuma Multiple illnesses have been traced to romaine lettuce grown in Yuma, Arizona, an area which has thus far not been implicated in leafy green E. Coli O157 or O145 illness outbreaks. An analysis of possible sources of the E. Coli O145 infecting romaine lettuce on an undisclosed Yuma farm has been conducted by Food Safety News, sponsored by Seattle-based attorney Bill Marler.
One of the largest cattle feedlots in the country is located in Wellton, Arizona, about 20 miles from the heart of Arizona’s leafy green production in the Gila and Dome Valleys. Conditions in the feedlot produce huge volumes of mud, as dirt mixes with manure and water. When dry, hot, and windy weather hits, the mud dries, the cattle break down clumps into dust, and the dust blows, often for many miles. According to Food Safety News –
Source: Zach Mallove, “How Did E. Coli O145 Contaminate Lettuce? Part I,” Food Safety News, May 12, 2010. Editor’s Note – In a June 2007 Critical Issue Report entitled “Unfinished Business: Preventing E. Coli O157 Outbreaks in Leafy Greens,” the Center highlighted dust as the most plausible source of the E. Coli O157 that contaminated the spinach field in 2006 on the Paicines Ranch in California (see page 9 of the "Unfinished Business” report for the factors supporting this conclusion). The FDA is pushing ahead with the process of establishing new leafy green food safety regulations, and later this summer, Congress may pass the major new food safety bill that has been “almost ready” to bring up for final votes over the last three months. In both these processes, there is considerable potential that complex and costly new requirements will be imposed on all farmers that do little or nothing to promote food safety because the new requirements fail to target the core source of the problem – sick and/or stressed cattle shedding E. Coli O157, and other pathogenic strains of E. Coli like )145, in their manure. Long-time organic farmer Dan Cohen submitted comments to the FDA on the agency’s proposed new preventive controls for fresh produce. These insightful and provocative comments highlight the range of opinion about the sources of food safety problems, and what is needed to address them. With Dan’s permission, the Center has posted his comments.
Premium beef in Japan sells for around $180 per pound, more than seven times the price of premium steaks in the U.S. A calf sells for over $5,000.00. Source: Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times, June 12, 2010. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ More than two-thirds of states now have obesity rates above 25%. Obesity rates increased in 28 states in 2009. Source: Amanda Gardner, “Obesity Rates Jump in 28 States, Report Shows,” Healthday, _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ People consuming a daily, 2,000-calorie diet composed of foods advertised during prime time and on Saturday morning would consume 20-times the recommended daily allowance of fat and 25-times the allowance for sugar.Source: Phil Lempert, “A Prime-Time Push for ‘Responsible Eating’,” Supermarket Guru, June 22, 2010. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Check out our new consumer-focused blog ”Mission Organic Made Easy” featuring fresh postings three days a week by Sara Snow, Annie Brown and Jamie Kelly. Since launching we have covered topics ranging from organic bedding, the obesity and pesticide link, organic crepes, what exactly is a GMO, and the ultimate recipe for happiness (with pictures). Here’s the link. Core Truths on the Major Benefits of Organic Food and Farming
The Organic Center Features Jerry Garcia Artwork Do you or someone you know love The Grateful Dead? Do you enjoy beautiful original works of art? If so, select a giclee of Jerry Garcia original artwork and benefit The Organic Center. This unique fundraising initiative to benefit The Organic Center is made possible through the generosity of filmmaker Deborah Koons Garcia and features the series, "In the Garden," by the late Jerry Garcia. Individual prints are $250, or get the full series for $1,000. To order your Jerry Garcia art, click here. "The Scoop," is an electronic newsletter published monthly by The Organic Center. For a free subscription, visit www.organic-center.org. Backed by the world's leading scientists, physicians and scholars, The Organic Center is committed to two goals:
For companies, The Organic Center's Affinity Marketing Partnership Program provides resources and tools to help educate your customers about the personal benefits of organic food and farming.
Joan Boykin - Executive Director Annie Brown - Development Director Charles "Chuck" Benbrook, Ph.D. - Chief Scientist TOC Board Chair: Mark Retzloff, Chairman of the Board, Aurora Organic Dairy The Organic Center |
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Scientists in Iowa have shown that Cry1Ab-Mon810 Bt corn, engineered to control the European corn borer, is more prone to feeding damage from the western bean cutworm. The reasons appear to be that Bt corn can dramatically reduce the population of European corn borers, it’s primary insect target, and also reduces the fitness of corn earworms. 
Most dairy cattle in Costa Rica are raised and managed on pasture, and hence milk in Costa Rica has elevated levels of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), just as organic milk does in the U.S. relative to conventional milk. Scientists in Costa Rica studied the relationship between milk and CLA intakes and myocardial infarction (heart attack). 
Core Truths is a ground-breaking compilation of the most current research on organic agriculture. This highly readable and graphically stunning 108-page coffee table book documents the verifiable health and environmental benefits of organic products. 
In This Issue: |
