Organic Processing Vo1.5 #2

need to look more deeply at qualitative changes in food, especially changes linked to, or triggered by changes in sugar levels and forms. A deeper look using the powerful, modern tools accessible to biomedical researchers, might identify relatively simple ways to help people stabilize their blood sugars and weight, short of major (and unlikely) lifestyle changes and drug interventions. Consumption of nutrient-dense organic produce clearly is one simple intervention which deserves a fresh look as part of a truly integrated approach to health promotion.

ing dots between how food is grown, food processing methods, and how food and dietary choices impact us and the health of the planet.

New science is essential to learn how to change agricultural production and food processing technology to better promote human health and environmental quality. We hope that organic farmers and the organic food industry will be among those insisting that rigorous, independent science be carried out. That is the first step. Then, the organic community must also be among the first to push the envelope toward safer, higher quality foods when new science points the way toward those vital goals. The growth and prosperity of the organic industry _{depends on it, as does so much more.}

DIRECT FROM THE SOURCE,
FORESTRADE DELIVERS

Looking Ahead

Science is a powerful force, for good and sometimes evil. It drove the technological changes that created today’s food system. Recently, science has begun looking under long-forbid-den rocks. A new generation of scientists are conducting rigorous, world class research in the hope of connect-

Charles Benbrook, PhD, is the chief scientist at The Organic Center. He has worked in Washington, D.C. on agricultural policy, science and regulatory issues and was the executive director of the Board on Agriculture of the National Academy of Sciences. You can reach him at cben-brook@organic-center.org.

Dr. Alan Greene, MD, is a clinical professor of pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine and the chairman of the board for The Organic Center. He sits on the Advisory Board of Healthy Child Healthy

World and is a founding partner of the Collaborative on Health and the Environment. He is also the author of “Raising Baby Green” and “From First Kicks to First Steps.” You can reach him at alan@drgreene.com.