Organic Foods Research - Fall 2007

Food Matters

Finding and Link "Food Matters." BBC Food. January 2007. 23 Oct. 2007 <http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/food_matters/organicfood.shtml>

POV/Source The author doesn't so much try to convey a point of view, instead the primary purpose of this article is being informative. The author may be slightly in favor of organic food, but he maintains more factual than bias.

Summary This article addresses key primary question, including the following: the definition of organic food, if organic food really is "better" and information about organic consumers and their beliefs. The author also stresses that many of us place "blind trust" in organic food, and we don't consider what it really means to be organic. The article does though; stress the importance of "natural" food and reasons for the increased price of organic crops. As the source of the article is outside the U.S. it serves as a useful comparison of the different views and popularity of organic food in a different environment than our own, and furthermore this data can later be compared to U.S. sources.

Your Name B. Brady

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)