Organic agriculture and food production: a review of current developments CCFRA Review No. 40 (2003) |
 
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An overview of the major developments in regulation, practice and research of organic agriculture, with particular emphasis on the situation as it affects the UK The market for organically produced food has grown significantly over the last few years with the development of a wide range of value-added products and the emergence of new organic product brands. There is, however, still some confusion about the regulation and monitoring of organic products and about what is and is not permitted in organic agriculture. Questions also arise about what the latest research says about organic agriculture and its products especially on issues such as safety, quality and composition of organic as compared with conventional products. This broad overview of organic agriculture and its products begins by outlining changes within the organic products market, and then outlines the frameworks of regulation and certification. The research section draws together findings from the scientific evaluation of organic research through a series of frequently-asked questions with the answers providing short useful summaries for personnel along the food supply chain. The questions cover topics ranging from pesticide residues, veterinary medicines and natural toxicants through environmental impact to nutritional composition, additives, shelf-life and presence of pathogenic micro-organisms. The overall intention is to be concise rather than comprehensive, so the document also provides pointers to sources of information for the user to explore in more depth issues of interest. Contents:
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