Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

Organic agriculture: effects on food quality

Brandt, K. & Mølgaard, J.P.

2001

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Summary

This review by Brandt and Mølgaard, published in what was then Agronomie (later Agronomy for Sustainable Development), evaluates the available evidence on how organic farming methods affect food quality parameters. The authors are associated with Danish research institutions and the paper likely draws on European comparative studies to assess differences in nutritional and chemical profiles between organically and conventionally grown produce. It is considered an early and frequently cited contribution to the debate on organic food quality, noting methodological challenges in comparing systems fairly.

UK applicability

Although not UK-specific, the review draws on European research broadly applicable to UK farming conditions; its findings are relevant to UK policy discussions on organic certification standards and consumer health claims, particularly in the context of post-CAP agricultural reform.

Key measures

Nutrient composition; secondary plant metabolite concentrations; antioxidant content; comparison of organic vs. conventional produce quality indicators

Outcomes reported

The paper examines how organic agricultural practices influence the chemical composition and nutritional quality of food crops, likely considering secondary metabolites, antioxidants, and nutrient levels relative to conventionally produced food.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Organic food quality & composition
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
International
System type
Mixed arable and horticulture
Catalogue ID
XL0784

Topic tags

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