Organic Foods Research - Fall 2007

True Spirit of Organics

Finding and Link Lisa Turner. "true spirit of organics. " Better Nutrition 1 Sep. 2007: 50-54. Research Library. ProQuest. 23 Oct. 2007 <http://www.proquest.com/>

POV/Source The author appears to be mostly neutral, yet seems to advocate organics to some level.

Summary Critics point out that the spirit of organics includes a philosophy of food production that promotes ethical treatment of workers and livestock, emphasizes locally grown produce (thereby reducing the amount of fuel required for transportation), and supports small farms. While national organic standards include provisions that ensure humane treatment of animals, animal treatment is not the organic industry's primary focus, says Mary Chestnut, director of outreach for the Humane Farm Animal Care program in Herndon, Va.

Your Name E Farris

Organic, and Tastier: The Rat's Nose Knows

Finding and Link HAROLD McGEE. New York Times. (Late Edition (east Coast)). New York, N.Y.:Oct 3, 2007. p. F.5 <http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1351544801&Fmt=3&clientId=10553&RQT=309&VName=PQD>

POV/Source Pretty pro-organic, but in a neutral, scientific tone.

Summary A team of Swiss and Austrian scientists recently concluded a 21-year study of organic wheat production. As an integrative method for assessing quality, they gave lab animals a choice of biscuits made from organic or conventional wheat. The rats ate significantly more of the former. The authors call this result remarkable, because they found the two wheats to be very similar in chemical composition and baking performance.

Your Name CTResearcher 15:26, 23 October 2007 (PDT)Sam BurkeCTResearcher 15:26, 23 October 2007 (PDT)

The Truth About Pesticides and Organics

Finding and Link Karlyn Grimes. Dance Teacher. New York:Oct 2007. Vol. 29, Iss. 10, p. 94-96 (3 pp.) <http://www.proquest.com/>

POV/Source Pro-organic

Summary Organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products have to come from animals that receive no antibiotics, hormones or medications in absence of disease, and are kept in living conditions that accommodate their natural behavior. Organic farming has been shown to reduce the pollution of groundwater, decrease soil erosion, boost soil fertility and productivity, minimize the greenhouse effect and global warming, and lower health risks associated with handling and consuming pesticides.

Your Name Sam BurkeCTResearcher 15:31, 23 October 2007 (PDT)

Rethinking Organics

Finding and Link Sanjay Gupta. Rethinking Organics. Time International 3 Sep. 2007: 32. Research Library. ProQuest. Foley Library Spokane, WA. 23 Oct. <http://www.proquest.com>.

POV/Source Pro-inorganic

Summary scientists have yet to document a definite, long-term negative effect of modern pesticides on our bodies, meaning that while organic foods do you no harm, they may not turn out to be as beneficial as you think. Quercetin and kaempferol are members of a larger group of antioxidants known as flavonoids, which when consumed in foods have been associated with reduced risks of chronic health conditions like heart disease, certain cancers and even some forms of dementia.

Your Name Tom Whitt CTResearcher 16:22, 23 October 2007 (PDT)