ORGANIC FARMING - THE SINGLE BIGGEST WAY TO MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE
Organic Update is a publication of the Organic Federation of Australia
www.ofa.org.au
A 30 year scientific trial shows that organic practices can counteract up to 40 percent of global greenhouse gas output.
A scientific trial of organic and conventional farming practices has proved that organic practices can be the single biggest way to mitigate climate change.
Scientist at the Rodale Institute in the USA have proved that organic farming practices, can remove about 7,000 kilos of carbon dioxide from the air each year and sequester it in a hectare of farmland.
The scientists estimated that if all of America’s 434 million acres of cropland were converted to organic practices, it would be the equivalent of taking 217 million cars off the road. This is nearly 88 percent of all cars in the USA and more than a third of all the cars in the world.
Paul Hepperly, Ph.D., research director at The Rodale Institute and Fulbright Scholar stated, "We've shown that organic practices can do better than anyone thought at sequestering carbon, and could counteract up to 40 percent of global greenhouse gas output."
The important point about this ground breaking research is that the amount of CO2 sequestered is based on what has been achieved through current organic farming practices. This is not a theoretical estimate as in some of the tree plantation models or unproven like the millions being spent clean coal or mechanical geo sequestration trials.
This is being achieved now by organic farmers in the USA, Australia and around the world. Adopting organic practices on our farmland in Australia is a proven way to remove huge quantities of greenhouse gases and help in the fight against climate change.
There is no other proven method that is as effective as organic farming in removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and sequestering them into the soil. The Australian Government and industry needs to start seriously investing in organic farming. It will benefit the whole planet.
A 30 year scientific trial shows that organic practices can counteract up to 40 percent of global greenhouse gas output
A scientific trial of organic and conventional farming practices has proved that organic practices can be the single biggest way to mitigate climate change.
Scientist at the Rodale Institute in the USA have proved that organic farming practices, can remove about 7,000 kilos of carbon dioxide from the air each year and sequester it in a hectare of farmland.
The scientists estimated that if all of America’s 434 million acres of cropland were converted to organic practices, it would be the equivalent of taking 217 million cars off the road. This is nearly 88 percent of all cars in the USA and more than a third of all the cars in the world.
Paul Hepperly, Ph.D., research director at The Rodale Institute and Fulbright Scholar stated, "We've shown that organic practices can do better than anyone thought at sequestering carbon, and could counteract up to 40 percent of global greenhouse gas output."
The important point about this ground breaking research is that the amount of CO2 sequestered is based on what has been achieved through current organic farming practices. This is not a theoretical estimate as in some of the tree plantation models or unproven like the millions being spent clean coal or mechanical geo sequestration trials.
This is being achieved now by organic farmers in the USA, Australia and around the world. Adopting organic practices on our farmland in Australia is a proven way to remove huge quantities of greenhouse gases and help in the fight against climate change.
There is no other proven method that is as effective as organic farming in removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and sequestering them into the soil. The Australian Government and industry needs to start seriously investing in organic farming. It will benefit the whole planet.
Organic Crops Have Higher Yields in Drier Times
New Evidence Confirms the Drought Tolerance of Organic Systems
Another study, just published in the Agronomy Journal, adds to the growing scientific data that shows organic farming outperform conventional in times when the rainfall is lower.
The Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems Trials (WICST) found that organic yields were higher in drought years and the same as conventional in normal weather years. In years with wet weather in the spring the organic yields can suffer when mechanical cultivation of weeds is delayed and were found to be 10% lower. This could be corrected by using steam or vinegar for weed control, rather than tillage.
The researchers attributed the higher yields in dry years to the ability of soils on organic farms to more quickly take in rainfall. This is due to the higher levels of organic carbon, making the soils more friable and better able to store and capture rain.
Organic Sector News
Victorian Government - $1.08 million for Organic Agriculture
Victoria’s Minister for Agriculture, Joe Helper has announced $1.08 million over three years to assist the Victorian organics sector to develop its resilience and further differentiate and
substantiate organic products. The funding will be used to develop a reference group to help the industry tackle current challenges and capture emerging opportunities. The OFA has had a role in this
initiative through various meeting with the Minister and his staff and very importantly for initiating the project that started the formation of the reference group.
We hope to see other Australian Governments follow Victoria’s lead with more investments into the organic sector and congratulate Minister Helper for committing the much needed funds.
Primary Industries Ministers Support the Australian Standard
A meeting of the Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC) noted a range of organic issues. Queensland's Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) Tim
Mulherin said this was a very positive outcome for the burgeoning organics industry.
"I specifically brought this matter to the attention of today's gathering of Ministers in Melbourne and pointed the need for such a Standard," he said. "I'm happy to say they agreed with me and the new Standard is due for completion by the end of this year.
"DPI&F is very keen to foster growth and development of this industry, which is of increasing importance in the horticulture and livestock sectors and also as a growing export industry. There is growing demand for higher-quality foods, and more fresh produce and organic products rate very highly with a lot of consumers."
The Minister said all primary industry departments would now work more closely with the Organic Federation of Australia. The paper presented a range of organic issues that were raised at a departmental forum between DPI&F and representatives of the organic industry. The participants asked the OFA, as the peak body, to write a submission that Minister Mulherin could take to PIMC.
The OFA appreciates the support of the Queensland Minister for the Australia Standard. This is an OFA initiative and will bring benefits to both producers and consumers to ensure the integrity of all products that are labelled as organic.
Organic Food Reduces Pesticide Exposure in Children
A scientific study published this year by researchers from Emory University in the USA found that eating organic food gets rid of pesticides in children. The scientists stated ‘By substituting
organic fresh fruits and vegetables for corresponding conventional food items, the median urinary metabolite concentrations were reduced to nondetected or close to nondetected levels for malathion
and chlorpyrifos [organophosphates]
The study also showed that most children are exposed to unacceptable levels of pesticides by eating conventionally farmed food. The scientists concluded ‘The findings from this study demonstrate that dietary intake of OP [organophosphate] pesticides represents the major source of exposure in young children.’
Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Workshops
April 28-29 Cullen Wines’ world renowned biodynamic vineyard, Cowaramup
April 26 a one-day workshop for gardeners at City Farm, East Perth.
May 1-2 at the Bunns Biodynamic Vineyard, Albany
May 4 University of WA, Claremont Campus, one-off one-day May 4.
Registrations for these workshops (which are FarmBis supported for eligible participants and tax deductible for businesses) are available through Biodynamic Agriculture Australia on 02 6655 0566 or
via their website, www.biodynamics.net.au.
NSW Compost Ball
Friday 2nd of May at Eden Gardens, Ryde (7.30pm)
Andrew O’Sullivan (of Channel 7’s Australia’s Best Backyards fame) will now MC the evening and we’re genuinely keen for you to attend.
To book individual tickets, please call Eden Gardens Reception on 9491 9900 with credit card at the ready or to book a table for 10, please call Danielle Farrow on 02 9999 2834 or 0433 395 255 with same.
Tasmanian Organic Conference
A two day conference called Organic Conversion and Expansion – Your Steps to Sustainable Success, will be held in Launceston on 21-22 May 2008
This conference will feature a range of Australia's best experts on organic systems and will cover a range of topics. It will benefit both existing and new growers.
Tram Shed Function Centre,Inveresk Rail Yards 4 Invermay Rd ,Launceston
For further information please contact DPIW Organic Industry Development Officer Alex Mitchell on 03 6233 2404 or Alexandra.Mitchell@dpiw.tas.gov.au or visit the website www.farmpoint.tas.gov.au
OFA Constitutional Review
The new constitution of the OFA must be reviewed this year. It is requirement from the restructure in 2005 that we review the new constitution to see if where it can be improved. The constitution is
available at our website. Please send your submissions before June 30, 2008 to Cathrine at our secretariat: PO Box 369, Bellingen NSW, 2454 or email: Cathrine De Danann dedanann@aapt.net.au
GMO News
Biotech Companies Must Compensate for Genetic Contamination
A Percy Schmeiser, the Canadian canola farmer, who has battled biotech company Monsanto for a decade, has finally won a lawsuit against them.
This is a significant victory as it set a legal precedent for biotech companies to remove genetic contamination from farms and compensate farmers for the costs.
The same legal precedent should apply in most countries in the world and will see more court cases as contamination increases with the approval of more GMO crops.
Most GM Crops Yield Less
The UK Soil Association has published a report on the latest available research on GM crop yields over the last ten years. The yields of all major GM crop varieties in cultivation are
lower than, or at best, equivalent to, yields from non-GM varieties. The report quoted from published studies.
An April 2006 report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that “currently available GM crops do not increase the yield potential of a hybrid variety. […] In fact, yield may even decrease if the varieties used to carry the herbicide tolerant or insect-resistant genes are not the highest yielding cultivars”. (Fernandez-Cornejo, J. and Caswell, 2006)
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s 2004 report on agricultural biotechnology acknowledges that GM crops can have reduced yields (FAO, 2004). This is not surprising given that first-generation genetic modifications address production conditions (insect and weed control), and are not intended to increase the intrinsic yield capacity of the plant. Source: UK Soil Association
Pesticides and Chemical news
Pesticide Spray Drift Linked to Children’s Cancer
A study published in March 2008 in the scientific journal Environmental Health Perspectives has found a strong link to living in an agricultural area and a wide range of cancers in
children. ‘Our study results showed statistically significant increased risk estimates for many types of childhood cancers associated with residence at diagnosis in counties having a moderate to
high level of agricultural activity, with a remarkably consistent dose–response effect seen for counties having = 60% of the total county acreage devoted to farming.’
The researchers from University of Texas, Boise State University, National Center for Atmospheric Research and the Texas A&M Health Science Center in the USA investigated the health effects of children living in areas of high agricultural activity to exposure to agricultural pesticides through normal spray drift.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, Wilms' tumor, renal carcinomas, hepatoblastoma, Ewing's sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcomas, thyroid carcinomas and malignant melanoma were all linked to living in areas where agricultural chemicals are used.
The researchers further stated “statistically significantly elevated ORs [odds ratios] were seen for every cancer site examined, with many risk estimates showing two or more times the risk for childhood cancers when compared with the low level of agricultural activity. Additionally, there was a remarkably consistent indication of a possible dose–response effect when comparing risk estimates for the medium exposure category to the high.”
“With data accumulating regarding the atmospheric transport of pesticides over long distances (van den Berg et al. 1999) and reports indicating that some level of pesticide exposure is nearly ubiquitous in the U.S. population (CDC 2005), it is likely that there will continue to be interest in the possible impact of long-term, low-level pesticide exposure in human populations, particularly among infants and young children. “
The extensive list of cancers is very concerning and raises serious concerns about the current farming practices that are permitted by government regulators.
Women Exposed to Pesticides during Pregnancy Effects Sons
Danish researchers have found that occupational pesticide exposure during pregnancy causes adverse effects on the reproductive development in the male infants. The researchers concluded in the
scientific journal, Environmental Health Perspectives ‘Our findings suggest an adverse effect of maternal occupational pesticide exposure on reproductive development in the sons despite current
greenhouse safeguards and special measures to protect pregnant women.’
Ontario To Ban Sale, Use Of Garden Pesticides?
Ontario will ban the sale and general use of pesticides in what the province said would be among the toughest such environmental laws in North America.
The new legislation would outlaw homeowners' use of lawn and garden pesticides. Exceptions would be made for golf courses, farms and forests. The province of Quebec has a similar ban.
"Our generation is becoming more and more aware of the potential risks in our environment, not only to our health, but to our children's health," Ontario's Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty said in announcing the legislation.
The Canadian Cancer Society, which has lobbied for bans by cities and provinces, said it was happy the legislation targeted both sales and use. "We are pleased it's going to be implemented so quickly," spokeswoman Irene Gallagher added. Source: REUTERS NEWS SERVICE
Other News
Scientists Want Some Food Additives Banned
A study led by Professor Jim Stevenson and published in The Lancet last September, found that certain food colourings and sodium benzoate promoted hyperactivity in children. They have called for the UK Food Standards Agency to ban them immediately.
The study concluded that the consumption of mixtures of additives including sunset yellow (E110), tartrazine (E102), carmoisine (E122), ponceau 4R (E124), allura red (E129) and sodium benzoate led to increased hyperactivity in children.
The debate about hyperactivity in children and food additives is around 30 years old and despite the growing number of studies linking numerous additives to a range of problems including cancer, hyperactivity, asthma, dermatitis an a range of allergies, the regulatory authorities continue to allow them.
The precautionary principle underpins the prohibition of synthetic additives in organic food production. This research validates the organic sector’s concerns.
UN Report Rethinking of the Approach to Agriculture
The International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology (IAASTD) held its intergovernmental plenary meeting from 7-14 April in Johannesburg, South Africa
The IAASTD report underlines the necessity of a deep rethinking of the approach to agriculture. It admits the market’s lack of capacity to deliver prosperity and food security to the poor and it states the need to review some unfair trade rules. The report also emphasizes the need to reform some intellectual property laws on patents on novel crops, as to not let them jeopardize new research and agriculture innovation. The report is also critical towards the domination of multinational companies on seed and fertilizer markets. It calls for an implementation of agroecological strategies, in particular to realize environmental sustainability, and spotlights the doubts and controversies concerning genetically modified crops. The report is definitely asking for a new agriculture paradigm, focused on the role farmers and especially on poor farmers.
The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) was involved in the report. "IFOAM appreciates IAASTD report on a new agriculture paradigm focusingon poor farmers as a step in the right direction IFOAM expresses moderate satisfaction for IAASTD report and for its attempt to rethink the approach to agriculture, giving farmers a central role.” Source: IFOAM
Buying and Selling Organic Food
This excellent consumers guide on all aspects of the marketing and purchasing certified organic products is now in it second print run. The author John Furbank has updated the book to ensure that it is current.
The book can be purchased by contacting John: 08 8177 1544 furbank@bigpond.com:?
Organic Update is a publication of the Organic Federation of Australia
Phone +61 1300 657 435
PO Box 369 Bellingen NSW 2454 Australia
