Despite the explosive growth in demand for organic food, there is no proof that it is any better for you, says a select committee of British MPs.
鈥淚t鈥檚 time to move from faith to science,鈥� said David Curry, chairman of the House of Commons Agriculture Committee that produced the report.
鈥淲e think there should be proper research upon which the consumer can make a proper judgement of organic farming,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he argument that organic farming can deliver environmentally friendly farming is true but the argument for health has no scientific substance as things stand.鈥�
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To put the record straight, the MPs demand more money for research on organic farming. 鈥淭he key is to bring more scientific rigour to the claims made,鈥� said Michael Jack, a member of the committee.
The committee was most sceptical about claims that organic food is safer, tastes better, and is healthier for you. 鈥淚f this sector is to grow, consumers will at some stage want reassurance that they鈥檙e getting what they think they鈥檙e getting,鈥� said Curry.
The report notes: 鈥淚t is perhaps true that the public has a perception of organic farming that is, at least partly, mythical.鈥�
Mature sector
鈥淪ome of its apostles still proselytise with an almost religious fervour,鈥� says the report. 鈥淭his helps nobody, and whereas the past perhaps belonged to messianics, the future belongs to marketing.鈥�
Patrick Holden, director of the Soil Association that represents many British organic farmers, welcomed the report, and backed the MPs call for more research. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a thirst for validation of claims about biodiversity, environmental benefits, increased employment and the quality of food,鈥� he said.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a case for proper research so the public can have confidence in the claims made,鈥� he added. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 a reasonable proposition.鈥�
Sandra Bell of Friends of the Earth was disappointed that the report rejected the idea of setting a target for conversion of orthodox farms to organic farming.
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