Organic food research has seen tremendous advancements within the last decade. New studies and programs are conducted on a regular basis to examine the benefits organic production and consumption has on the environment and consumers.
Several websites publish information on the most recent research developments in the organic industry. We have compiled a list of the ones we find most useful:
The FQH Association (Organic Food Quality & Health) was organised in 2003 by four European research institutes with the aid of representatives from the organic industry.
Registered at the beginning of 2003 in the Netherlands, this international research agency sponsors a variety of workshops, conferences, and research projects. Recent workshops discussed the health effects associated with food quality, including results of research into bioactive compounds in farming.
Another FQH study examined the immune system of chickens fed an organic diet, finding better health and quicker recovery in those eating organic feed.
The Soil Association leads the UK in organic certification and the promotion of organic development.
The Soil Association began in 1946 as a collaboration between scientists, farmers, and nutritionists with a common desire to improve the planet and human health through organic practices.
The charity is dedicated to educating the public about the benefits of organic farming, providing the public with the latest organic food research and a variety of other resources.
Organic Centre Wales (OCW) combines the expertise of four Wales-based organic research organisations and aims to deliver research findings regarding the organic industry to the whole public.
Founded in 2000, OCW is a hub of information for organic news and developments including reports on genetic modification, economic and financial outlooks for organic farming, and examinations of animal welfare in organic farms.
Organic research information from around the world is archived in one convenient place at Organic Eprints, a public website designed to compile papers and reports from various sources to aid the continuing development of organic studies.
The archive was created by the Danish Research Centre for Organic Farming in 2002 and continues to maintain and publish data. The information is easily searched or browsed and is accessible to the general public.
The Institute of Science in Society is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing critical and accessible scientific information to the public and to promoting social accountability and ecological sustainability in science.
There is a great deal of research on the website and it has a good search facility that works well. Articles and information provided by some of the world’s leading independent scientists and researchers can be found there.