Food Supply and the Organic Food Myth

A More Focused Approach to Phosphorus Nutrition Education for the Adolescent Kidney Patient.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a demanda e a oferta de alimentos orgânicos para a alimentação escolar no estado de Santa Catarina de acordo com a regulamentação do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo e exploratório. No ano de 2010 foi realizado um censo nos 293 municípios do estado por meio de questionário eletrônico para conhecer o percentual de compras de alimentos da agricultura familiar e de alimentos orgânicos. Posteriormente, foram entrevistados in loco alguns atores sociais da alimentação escolar de 52 municípios que compravam alimentos orgânicos da agricultura familiar. Os dados foram apresentados em números absolutos e relativos, com detalhamento por municípios. RESULTADOS: O destino da produção, em sua maioria, foi local e 17,7% dos municípios compraram alimentos orgânicos da agricultura familiar no ano de 2010. Foram relatadas dificuldades tanto do nutricionista quanto dos agricultores familiares e das cooperativas. A maioria dos agricultores e cooperativas não tinha certificação de seus produtos e enfrentava problemas de produção, revelando a necessidade de apoio técnico. Os nutricionistas ressaltaram a falta de certificação de agricultores e a baixa oferta de alimentos orgânicos. Para agricultores e cooperativas, as limitações na comercialização para a alimentação escolar foram a baixa procura por parte dos municípios, as dificuldades no transporte e a sazonalidade da produção. Apesar das dificuldades relatadas, os municípios catarinenses já adquirem frutas, verduras, legumes e outros alimentos. CONCLUSÃO: Os alimentos da agricultura familiar orgânica produzidos localmente, já estão sendo incluídos na alimentação escolar. No entanto, ainda há necessidade de diálogo entre nutricionistas e agricultores familiares.

Current crises (i.e., climate crisis, COVID-19 pandemic, Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the resulting energy and food shortages) indicate the need for robust, and sustainable supply chains with regional food production and farmland to secure food supply in the European Union (EU). Recent research shows that organic food is more resilient to supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations. In this context, we examine an approach for the sustainable and resilient transformation of agri-food networks: can an adaptation of value added tax (VAT) levels work as a financial incentive to amplify resilient agricultural practices and sustainable dietary patterns? Within the setting of the amendment of the European framework directive on the use of VAT in 2022, we model the effects of adapting the current German VAT system by (1) reducing VAT on organic vegetarian food to 0% and (2) raising VAT on conventional meat and fish to 19%. Based on historical data on organic sales shares and price elasticities, we project sales shares differentiated by product group for each scenario. Then, we calculate expected tax revenues, changes in consumption patterns, and arising total external climate costs in Germany for both scenarios. Our results show that the overall consumption share of organic food would increase by 21.83% due to the modeled VAT reform compared to the status quo. Despite the VAT reduction to 0% on organic vegetarian products, the measure would yield €2.04 billion in extra tax revenues in Germany per year due to the increased taxation on conventional meat products. We find that annual environmental costs of €5.31 billion can be avoided as a result of lower external climate costs of organic and vegetarian food. Therefore, adjusting VAT rates in the food market can be a political instrument to drive organic food consumption and reduce animal livestock. This supports re-territorialization of agriculture and a more sustainable and resilient European food supply.

Birth seasons of ungulates in tropical regions show a complex pattern varying from asynchronous to highly synchronous and at different times of year. We examine the factors determining the phenology and synchrony of birth seasons of 13 species of ungulates in the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania. We propose that phenology of births (time of year) is determined by food supply, whereas birth synchrony (degree of coordination or spread) is an antipredator adaptation that functions in two different ways. High synchrony may occur through “predator satiation” in species with precocious newborn (“followers”), whereas asynchrony may occur through “predator avoidance” in species with nonprecocial young (“hiders”). We used green biomass of grass or tree shoots and percentage crude protein as measures of food supply. Births were determined from monthly sample counts covering the period 1967–1997. The frequency distribution of births was compared to that predicted by the abundance of green biomass and percentage protein, and by an even (asynchronous) monthly distribution. Wildebeest, topi, warthog, and Grant's gazelle births differed from all predicted distributions. Another group showed birth distributions similar to that of green biomass food (buffalo, oribi) or the distribution of percentage protein (giraffe, waterbuck, kongoni, zebra). Also giraffe, waterbuck, and Thomson's gazelle showed births spread more evenly through the year. For grazing species the lag in months between birth peak and protein peak is a positive function of metabolic body size whereas the lag with biomass is a negative function of body size. We suggest that small grazers produce their young early in the wet season ahead of the high protein peak, whereas large species produce their young in phase with high biomass and after the protein peak consistent with metabolic requirements. In terms of synchrony, large species in large herds with precocial young (wildebeest, topi, buffalo) have highly synchronized birth seasons consistent with the “predator satiation” hypothesis. Small species living in small groups with nonprecocial young (impala, Thomson's and Grant's gazelle, waterbuck, oribi) have births less synchronized than the food supply, as predicted by the “predator avoidance” hypothesis. In general, food supply determines the phenology of the birth season. Predation appears to shape the synchrony of births through two opposite adaptations. However, no single feature predicts all species' birth distributions. A combination of the phenology of food supply plus antipredator adaptations accounts for most but not all these distributions.

Over the past several decades, technological developments and modernization have grown concomitantly.For example, advances in biotechnology have been used as a tool to increase food production. Specifically, advances in genetic engineering have made possible the manipulation of crops to increase yield, guaranteeing food supplies for the increasing world population. However, transgenic crops have not been well received by all members of society, and there is still uncertainty about their social benefits and the possible implications to human health. Additionally, the benefits of agricultural modernization have favored only developed countries, whereas people living in developing and underdeveloped countries suffer rampant hunger, malnutrition and poverty. Hence, there is a necessity to create policies guaranteeing that the advances in biotechnology are translated into better agricultural practices that can meet the ever-growing food demand. The agricultural modernization process, however, must consider that sustainable development is imperative in modern societies and that there is an increasing desire for consuming so-called organic foods based on the idea that these foods have a higher quality and stimulate regional agricultural production. This review discusses the role of biotechnology throughout history in relation to agricultural production and the development of the food sector.

Tree sparrow（Passer montanus）is a social animal. They would flock together and flew to the rice fields to forage on grain during rice ripening period result in the loss of production. Considering rice field in the background, understanding for foraging model of tree sparrow studied in this research. The main objective was to reduce the loss of production through the foraging model. We filmed the state of foraging of tree sparrows at the agricultural experimental station of National Chung-Hsing University at Taichung in Taiwan during February to June in 2008. Result detailed about the relationships between flock size and uptake rate through the food patch, where more individuals in a flock recorded lower alert frequency and forage faster. However, uptake rate is reduced due to the limited food supply. Therefore, the uptake rate of tree sparrows didn’t affected by flock size in the state of sufficient food supply. More individuals in one flock reduced the alert frequency and forage faster from foraging. In additional of food patch experiment, the rice grain weight measured every week from the rice heading stage. The data was calculated of flock size、foraging time and foraging frequency through the taped observation data, and combined the data with the result of food patch experiments to predict quantity of grains (kg/ha) did tree sparrows forage at organic rice field per day. The daily rice consumption (Y) and the mature date of rice(X) expresses as Y= 0.16X - 1.17 （R2 = 0.76, p<0.05）. The grains became heavier each day during the ripening period. Weight of the rice grain has changed during the ripening period, therefore, the number of grains consumed by tree sparrows represented the rice damage rate. Tree sparrow foraged the maximum on the fourth week of rice ripening period with an average of fifty-eight percent of all foraging amount. According to this study, the foraging amount of first-crop rice of tree sparrows in 2009 is 206.2 kg with equivalent to one percent of total rice yield. In addition, the damage rate is the most concerning is 0.49％, on the fourth week. We quantified the damage of foraging amount of tree sparrows. The tree sparrows foraged more and more when the ripening progresses. Therefore, current research concluded to take damage control action from the day of 21 to 28 after the rice heading, as it was the time of most serious damage by tree sparrow foraging.

The demand for organic products worldwide has expanded rapidly in recent years, boosted by increasing concerns over personal health, the environment and genetically modified foods. Studies have shown that the demand for organic food is affected by economic and socio-demographic factors, as well as consumer perceptions and knowledge of organic farming practices and certification. The objectives of this study are to compare the certification processes and consumer attitudes towards organic foods in Taiwan and Australia and use it as a basis to derive policy implications for Taiwan. Key findings are that in both countries (1) consumers are in general concerned about the use of chemicals in conventional food production, though Australian consumers are more concerned about the treatment of farm animals and the environment than Taiwanese consumers; (2) organic food consumers are more tolerant of higher prices, poor product appearances and inaccessibility often associated organic food supply than non-organic consumers who see those problems as main barriers to organic food consumption; (3) there are sceptics about organic farming and certification in both countries, but lack of trust and consumer confidence in organic certification is, perhaps, the number one issue in Taiwan; and (4) while religious belief and vegetarianism are the initial driver for organic demand in Taiwan, in Australia it is the concerns for the environment. These results suggest that improving consumers' understanding of organic farming and certification and better understanding of consumers' motivation for food choice are necessary in promoting organic food demands both in Taiwan and Australia. In addition, it is recommended that the Taiwanese government strengthen the regulations on food safety across board so that safe food is available to all, not just some consumers.

Mangels and well headed cabbage afford an abundant supply of succulent food for poultry during the winter months. Green foods, which contain certain substances not necessarily found in succulents, may be supplied by sprouted oats and also by green rye in localities where conditions are favorable. Various members of the cabbage family furnish a good supply of green food during the late fall months but it is difficult to keep them in satisfactory condition during the winter. In the field they may be injured by repeated freezing and thawing. They keep well also if kept constantly frozen, but it is not easy to keep them frozen and at the same time accessible. They keep well for a time when buried but are apt to yellow sooner or later.For a number of years past I have made trials of various methods of storing these plants with the view of finding …

Home gardening has continued to gain increased interest among researchers because of its role in promoting household food security and strengthening local agrifood systems, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. In times of shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted food supply chains, it offers significant potential to drive sustainable household food supply. However, its potential to fully support household food supply in Nigeria remains underutilized. This study analyzes the role of home gardens in food supply among households during the COVID-19 lockdown, using cross-sectional data from 140 university staff members randomly selected. The data were collected via an online survey during the COVID-19 lockdown and analyzed using a probit model. The result shows that most respondents owned a home garden. However, only 52 percent of the home gardeners obtained food from the garden during the COVID-19 lockdown. Socio-demographic characteristics such as gender and age were inversely related to ownership of a home garden, while household size, house location and education showed a positive and significant relationship. The food crops grown in the home gardens were mainly vegetables, cassava (Manihot esculenta) and maize (Zea mays). The primary reason for owning a home garden was the access to organic food and vegetables. The findings of this study suggest that home gardens offer the potential to sustain household food supply in times of food shocks and uncertainty.

Organic food represents one of the fastest growing sectors of the American agriculture economy. Sales of organic foods have grown from $6 billion in 2000 to nearly $27 billion in 2010, an increase rate of 450 percent (Organic Trade Association, 2011 Industry Survey). This growth rate exceeds the growth rate for total food sales which grew at 135 percent. Most of these sales are for fruits and vegetables, with meat and dairy product sales second. Reasons for the growth are concerns that many consumers have over the use of hormones and chemicals, the desire for nutritious food sources for their families and care for the environment. Organic consumers believe that the absence of chemicals mean less residue in the food supply and therefore is better for consumption. Consumers generally are willing to pay extra for organic foods. Farmers have responded by increasing production of organic foods. However, many in the organic industry believe that supply limitations have hindered the growth of the sector. The major organic producers are located primarily in the Western and Northern states. The southern states have relatively few organic producers ‐ none are in the top ten certified and non-certified organic farms. Within the southern region only North Carolina, Virginia, Florida and Texas have more than 75 certified organic farmers (2011 Certified Organic Production Survey, NASS, USDA). Although the number of certified organic producers in the Southeast has declined, the production of organic vegetables in the Southeast increased by 67 percent from 2008 to 2011 (2008 and 2011 Certified Organic Production Survey, NASS, USDA). The prices for organic vegetables are much higher than for conventional vegetables, at least 40 to 80 percent higher. In addition, as much as 65 percent of the organic vegetables in the US are imported. There appears to be a large potential for organic farmers to increase production and profits. The conversion to organic production takes three years, and undergoes a certification process. The expense and regulation may limit the desire of some farmers to convert even at the higher prices and potentially greater profits.

The market for organic products in Urumqi is at the beginning of its development. The objective of this paper is to gain knowledge about consumer's attitudes toward organic food in Urumqi which is the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The consumer's attitudes were collected by means of a face-to-face survey. Attitudes, purchasing frequency, supply satisfaction and beliefs about organic food were studied with a sample of 720 consumers. The data obtained from the survey were analyzed with univariate analysis, chi-square test, ANOVA and correlation analysis. About 44.9% of Urumqi consumers had never heard of organic food. Urumqi consumers who know organic food consider organically-grown products as very healthy, of good quality and tasty. Consumers are not very familiar with the supply of organic food in the market. One reason might be that there was very little advertisement about organic products. Some groups of consumers have more positive attitudes towards organic food, and they express an increased willingness to pay higher prices for these food. Therefore, marketing strategies for organic food should be targeted towards such groups. According to the research results, an important task for the producers will be to increase consumers' knowledge of what organic food is and how to differentiate it in the marketplace.

An Evaluation of the Balance of Nutrients in Milk

The role of sinking phytodetritus in structuring shallow-water benthic communities

This research investigation aims to examine the urban consumers’ attitude towards organic food, and the factors affecting for their attitude. A consumer survey consisting of a sample of 600 consumers was conducted, using a pre-tested questionnaire, in major cities of six main districts of Sri Lanka during November 2016 - May 2018. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results revealed that majority of the consumers were married females. Most of them were of 18-40 years of age category and were educated up to the GCE advanced level. The sample’s monthly income ranged from Sri Lankan Rupees 58000 – 85000. Although the majority of the consumers (75.2%) were aware of organic food, only 11.5% possessed a good knowledge about them. As per the mean analysis, the consumers had a positive attitude towards most aspects of organic food. According to factor analysis, four factors (environmental factors, quality factors, health factors, and marketing factors) were extracted as they are influenced to the consumer attitude for purchasing of organic foods. Results of multiple linear regression analysis revealed a positive relationship between consumers’ attitude and the extracted four factors which were based on the consumers’ attitude on purchasing of organic foods. Main problems faced by consumers in buying organic food were the high price, unavailability of organic food, lack of trust, and lack of market information on organic food. It can be concluded that by providing the necessary conditions such as arranging better marketing facilities with useful market information, a continuous supply of organic foods with reasonable price levels, and enhancing consumer knowledge, will motivate the consumers to purchase more organic food. As relatively low is known about consumers’ purchasing pattern of organic foods in Sri Lanka, findings of this study would be beneficial to the traders and policy makers to formulate effective strategies designed to marketing of organic foods in the country. JEL CODE: Q13 ARTICLE IN PRESS!

Despite a plentiful supply of organic food in emerging economies, consumers are slow to adopt sustainable organic food behaviors. India is one of the top five nations in the world in terms of the total amount of agricultural land that is certified as organic, but the domestic organic consumption in the country itself is really sparse. Using the framework of the theory of reasoned action, this investigation explores how customers’ perceived values (health and hedonic values) influence their attitude toward purchasing organic food. Also, it elaborates on the moderating effect of media exposure to food safety issues to know its strength in the attitude–intention relationship. This research utilized PLS-SEM to analyze the structural relationships among the constructs, with 202 responses from consumers in India. The study found the strongest influence of hedonic value over health value and subjective norms on the green purchase attitude of consumers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated the moderating effect of media exposure on food safety issues on consumers’ attitude–intention relationship in a developing nation context. The study highlighted that people who have regularly been exposed to food safety related issues around them are more willing to buy organic food. Thus, it contributes to a more robust attitude–intention relationship among customers toward the purchase of organic food.