Research

In the United States, only farms and businesses that meet federal U.S. Department of Agriculture standards of the National Organic Program can market their products using the word “organic.”

A new discovery that leguminous plants fix nitrogen by controlling bacteria with protein signals suggests a natural way to add nutrients to soils. Improving nitrogen fixation in crops will reduce the amount of chemical fertilizer needed to improve growth.

In a comparison between different egg choices, organic eggs come out on top above caged, free-range (cage-free), free-run, hormone free, antibiotic free or Amish eggs. Organic hens are fed with organic feed that has no additives or GMOs, and live with access to the outdoors.

Combining knowledge of indigenous farming strategies with modern agroecological science is enhancing food security while preserving ecosystems and natural resources. Agroecology applies ecological ideas to establish sustainable agriculture that promotes healthy soils, cleaner water sources and wildlife biodiversity.

Survey shows 58% of respondents concerned about GMO contamination of organic foods

Shifting to grain-based meat substitutes to avoid the eco-damage of factory farming also can have a high environmental toll.

University of Wisconsin researcher Warren Porter, Ph.D. in physiological endocrinology, describes his methodical work in documenting the profound human health risks of commonly used agriculture in a recent Food Sleuth radio interview. Asking the questions is “investigative nutritionist” Melinda Hemmelgarn.

The CDC conducts research every two years identifying human exposure to toxic chemicals. Out of the 212 chemicals tested, researchers found all 212 in studied Americans, including six widespread chemicals considered highly dangerous.

Research suggests that planting organic cover crops at higher seeding rates improves biomass production and suppresses weeds. Rye, legume and oat crops planted at higher seeding rates decreased weed biomass from 267 pounds per acre to less than 89 pounds per acre in California central coast fields.

Research indicates that forests in the northern hemisphere have grown faster than at any time over the past 225 years. A 22-year study concludes that the growth appears tied to higher concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and longer growing seasons.