Organic Food Research Articles

Manipulation of Phototactic Responses by Two-Spotted Spider Mites to Improve Performance of Miticides

Insight into phototactic responses by herbivorous crop pests may be used to manipulate their vertical distribution in crop canopies. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the deployment of specific light sources elicits positive or negative phototactic responses and can be used to enhance performance of miticide applications. We characterized movement responses by two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) (spider mites) to seven light sources [ambient (control), UV-C, UV-B, blue, red, white, and near-infrared (NIR)] under experimental conditions. Separate experiments were conducted with/without the presence of a shelter. An analytical approach based on linear regression coefficients (intercept and slope) from observations in ascending order was used. Linear regression coefficients from UV-B indicated significantly negative phototactic bio-response. We examined settlement of spider mites when exposed to 11 light source configurations and with adaxial leaf sides facing either upwards or downwards. This experiment revealed strong positive and negative phototactic bio-responses to blue light and UV-B light, respectively. As a validation experiment, soybean plants were experimentally infested with spider mites and subjected to one of the following three treatments: (1) no treatment (control), (2) miticide [pyrethrins and Beauveria bassiana (BotaniGard Maxx)] only, and (3) a combination of blue and UV-B for 10 min immediately prior to miticide application. Integration of miticide application with prior deployment of blue and UV-B lights significantly increased the performance of miticide application. Results from this study supported the hypothesis. As a pest management approach, the integration of blue light (to elicit positive phototactic response) and UV-B (to elicit negative phototactic response) is believed to be of particular relevance to organic crop producers and/or to producers of crops for which limited numbers of miticides are registered.

How hand-made affects consumers’ perceived nutritional quality of organic food

How hand-made affects consumers’ perceived nutritional quality of organic food

Mixed method evaluation of factors influencing the adoption of organic participatory guarantee system certification among Vietnamese vegetable farmers

AbstractIn markets where vegetables are commonly cultivated with heavy use of synthetic pesticides, it is particularly important for consumers to be able to identify genuine organic produce. Organic Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) certification offers smallholder farmers an affordable way to build trust among consumers and secure premium prices for their organic produce. In Vietnam, the demand for vegetables with no, or low, pesticide residues is growing. The attractiveness of PGS certification should increase accordingly, but the number of organic PGS certified farmers in Vietnam are stagnating or even decreasing. The aim of this study is to explain this paradox by investigating the factors that influence the adoption of organic PGS certification among Vietnamese vegetable farmers. We follow a mixed methods approach, combining a qualitative analysis of farmer interviews (n = 62) and a quantitative analysis of a farm survey data (n = 434) using a sample selection model that estimates adoption contingent on farmers’ awareness of PGS certification. Drawing on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, we found that social relationships and positive attitudes towards farming and the environment drive the adoption of organic PGS. Barriers include insufficient knowledge of organic farming techniques, labour shortages, and ageing farmers. At the systemic level, support by (non-)governmental institutions facilitates adoption, but challenges such as lower yields and limited access to premium markets remain. To promote organic PGS among Vietnamese vegetable farmers, efforts should focus on disseminating organic farming techniques that boost yields, alleviate labour demands, and ensure secure markets for premium-priced organic vegetables.

Identification of Bacterial Pathogens in Organic Food of Animal Origin in Poland

The consumption of organic food has increased in recent years. In organic rearing animals are exposed to outdoor conditions, which may increase their risk of infection from various pathogens. In the present study the occurrence of the most significant foodborne pathogenic bacteria in organic meat and ready-to-eat organic meat products was assessed. Out of 100 raw organic meat samples tested, 72 were contaminated with bacterial pathogens. The highest percentage of contaminated samples was observed in poultry meat (92.5%) followed by pork meat (66.7%). Furthermore, 50.0% of beef origin samples were positive for the bacteria tested. L. monocytogenes was found in 39.0% of samples, S. aureus was identified in 37.0%, Campylobacter in 20.0%, Salmonella in 8.0% and Shigatoxin-producing E. coli in 4.0% of raw meat samples. In 31.0% of samples a co-occurrence of two (83.9%) or three (16.1%) pathogens was observed. Among 100 samples of organic meat products tested, only L. monocytogenes was found in 5.0% of samples. The result of the present study indicated that organic food may be a source of harmful microorganisms that may pose foodborne infections to consumers.

Towards responding to climate change: practices in Iranian healthcare centers

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevailing practices suitable for Iranian healthcare centers to address climate change and to rank them in terms of priority. This paper, a mixed-methods study conducted in 2023, comprised a scoping review and a thematic analysis covering the period from 2000 to 2023 as the first phase of the study. In this regard, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched. In the second phase, the authors engaged a group of experts to prioritize the most important practices suitable for Iranian healthcare centers to address climate change using the Grey MEREC-MABAC integrated approach. The scoping review resulted in 38 studies, and the thematic analysis revealed 11 primary categories of practices employed to address climate change. Subsequently, the Grey MEREC-MABAC approach indicated that the themes of 'Green Environment' (CC = 0.0929), 'Green Equipment, Waste, and Water Management' (CC = 0.0677), and 'Green Energy' (CC = 0.0653) were identified as having the highest priority among the practices deemed most important in the literature for addressing climate change within Iranian healthcare centers. The study proposed that practices or activities promoting biodiversity and environmental sustainability, such as organic food farming and tree planting, should be considered paramount approaches in Iranian healthcare centers to combat climate change.

Intestinal transport of organic food compounds and drugs: a scoping review on the alterations observed in chronic kidney disease

Background and aimsAround 850 million people worldwide are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients with CKD often develop malnutrition and sarcopenia and changes in the pharmacokinetics of drugs. A reduced kidney function partially explains the prolonged half-life of certain drugs due to decreased renal clearance, which leads to an increased risk of adverse effects. While the intestine plays a fundamental role in this context, a systematic review of the effects of CKD on intestinal transport is lacking. We aimed to systematically summarize all the available evidence on intestinal transport of organic food components (carbohydrates/sugar, proteins/amino acids, fats, vitamins) and drugs (including drug transporters) in chronic kidney disease. MethodsWe conducted a systematic search of all the articles published until the 1st of April 2024, on five databases i.e. Embase, PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. This systematic review was registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) (osf.io/5e6wb) and was carried out according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. ResultsFrom 9205 articles identified, 68 met the inclusion criteria. Absorption of organic food compounds seems to be altered, in general, and reduced for vitamins. The expression of intestinal efflux drug transporters may be altered in CKD. ConclusionsDespite alterations in intestinal transport is suggested to be altered in CKD, the lack of recent studies, the paucity of human data and the heterogeneity of the methodologies used underscore the need for more research on the effect of CKD and uremia on intestinal transport.

Solar-driven sewage sludge electroreforming coupled with biological funnelling to cogenerate green food and hydrogen

Solar-driven sewage sludge electroreforming coupled with biological funnelling to cogenerate green food and hydrogen

Small Farmer’s Perceptions of Climate Change and Adoption of Climate-Smart Practices: Evidence from Missouri, USA

Using survey data of Missouri small producers in 2022, this paper explores their perceptions of climate change and factors affecting their adoption of climate-smart practices. A synthesized climate change perception (CCP) index is developed to assess the effects of cognition and social demographics of producers on climate-smart practices (CSPs) adoption. The results show that 86.0% of participants have relatively high perceptions of climate change, and 82.0% have adopted at least one climate-smart practice; the higher the climate change perception index, the more likely the producers will adopt climate-smart practices. The findings encourage education on knowledge related to climate change, the relationship between climate change and agriculture, and how CSPs can reduce climate change. Specifically, we find specialty crop producers are more likely to adopt CSPs than other producers; and a one-unit increase in the CCP index can increase the CSP adoption rate by 4.61% for livestock producers and 2.61% for organic producers, suggesting relevant education programs can be tailored to the needs of livestock and organic farmers to improve their adoption rates of CPSs. Further, more resources are needed to support the farmers who reside in severely climate change – impacted areas for their sustainable production and climate sustainability.

Shaping Consumers’ Attitude and Purchase Intention towards Halal Sustainable Organic Food Products

Increased global recognition of organic food has prompted developed nations to adopt ecological agriculture concepts. This trend is also reflected within the sustainable Halal (permissible) organic food sector. This study examines whether Halal awareness, certification, social influences, and promotion affect consumers' attitude and subsequently, intention to purchase Halal organic food in Malaysia. Using convenient sampling technique, online surveys were conducted with 200 usable responses. A Smart PLS statistical software was used for data analyses. Results revealed that Halal awareness, certification, and social influence significantly affect attitudes, which, in turn, significantly influence consumers' intentions to purchase Halal organic food products. Implications are addressed.

Blockchain-Enhanced Organic Product Authentication and Provenance Verification System

Blockchain technology is being used to develop systems that can authenticate organic products and corroborate their provenance. This could revise the organic food assiduity by adding translucency and traceability, perfecting consumer confidence, and reducing the environmental impact. The system works by creating a unique digital identity for each organic product at the point of product. This digital identity is also stored on a blockchain, which is a distributed tally that's tamper- evidence and transparent. As the product moves through the force chain, each party in the chain scans the QR law on the product and updates the blockchain with information about the product's movement. This allows consumers to corroborate the product's authenticity and provenance, as well as to learn further about how the product was produced and transported.

Consumer Behavior of Buying Organic Jaggery in Chandur (Bazar) of Amravati District in Maharashtra State of India

This study explores the consumer behavior of purchasing organic jaggery in Chandur (Bazar), Amravati district, Maharashtra. It investigates the factors influencing consumer decisions, including health consciousness, environmental awareness, and perceptions of quality and taste. The study aims to understand the motivations behind the growing preference for organic jaggery over conventional options and to identify challenges faced by consumers. It also examines the role of local markets and vendors in the distribution and accessibility of organic jaggery within the region. By understanding these aspects, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the consumer landscape related to organic jaggery in the context of Chandur (Bazar) and provides valuable insights for stakeholders in the organic food industry.

Association between improved erectile function and dietary patterns: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is prevalent among men, but its relationship with dietary habits is uncertain. The aim of our study was to assess whether dietary patterns enhance erectile function by reviewing the literature published before August 1, 2022, via PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. The data compiled included author details; publication dates, countries, treatments, patient numbers, ages, follow-ups, and clinical trial outcomes, such as ED cases, odds ratios (ORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores with means and standard deviations. An analysis of 14 studies with 27 389 participants revealed that plant-based diets (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.66-0.75; P < 0.00001), low-fat diets (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.53; P = 0.0002), and alternative diets such as intermittent fasting and organic diets (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36-0.80; P = 0.002) significantly reduced ED risk. High-protein low-fat diets (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.12-1.64; P < 0.00001) and high-carb low-fat diets (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.55-1.04; P < 0.00001) improved IIEF-5 scores. Combined diet and exercise interventions decreased the likelihood of ED (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28-0.85; P = 0.01) and increased the IIEF-5 score (OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.69-5.11; P < 0.0001). Diets abundant in fruits and vegetables (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.98; P < 0.00001) and nuts (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.37-0.80; P = 0.002) were also correlated with lower ED risk. Our meta-analysis underscores a strong dietary-ED association, suggesting that low-fat/Mediterranean diets rich in produce and nuts could benefit ED management.

Solar Light Elimination of Bacteria, Yeast and Organic Pollutants by Effective Photocatalysts Based on Ag/Cr-TiO2 and Pd/Cr-TiO2

This study focused on searching for more effective nanomaterials for environmental remediation and health protection; thus, coliform bacteria, yeast and the organic food dye sunset yellow were selected as target pollutants to be eliminated under solar light by Ag/Cr-TiO2 and Pd/Cr-TiO2. Firstly, Cr3+ was in situ incorporated into the anatase crystalline lattice by the sol-gel method; then, Ag or Pd nanoparticles were deposited on Cr-TiO2 by chemical photoreduction. The scientific challenge addressed by the development of these composites was to analyse the recovery of Cr, to be employed in photocatalyst formulation and the enhancement of the TiO2 photocatalytic activity by addition of other noble metals. By extensive characterization, it was found that after TiO2 doping with chromium, the parameters of the crystal lattice slightly increased, due to the incorporation of Cr ions into the lattice. The TiO2 band gap decreased after Cr addition, but an increase in the optical absorptions towards the visible region after noble metals deposition was also observed, which was dependent of the Ag or Pd loading. Generally, it was observed that the noble metals type is a factor that strongly influenced the effectiveness of the photocatalysts concerning each substrate studied. Thus, by using Ag(0.1%)/Cr-TiO2, the complete elimination of E. coli from samples of water coming from a highly polluted river was achieved. Pd(0.5%)/Cr-TiO2 showed the highest efficiency in the elimination of S. cerevisiae from a lab prepared strain. On the other hand, the Pd(0.1%)/Cr-TiO2 sample shows the highest dye degradation rate, achieving 92% of TOC removal after 180 min.

Effect of sustainable food habits on gut microbiota diversity: A pilot study

Abstract Background To reach climate goals, sustainable food habits are needed and a plant-based diet is more climate-friendly. However, analyses of food products show that the highest levels of pesticide residues have been found in vegetables, fruits and cereal. Further, pesticide residues have been seen to decrease microbiota diversity. Since microbiota diversity is linked to human health, understanding these dynamics is crucial. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of sustainable food habits on gut microbiota diversity. Methods An 8-week intervention study on sustainable food habits with participants randomized into three groups and assigned to different diets; climate friendly (n = 8), organic (n = 9) and control group (n = 9). Data was collected at baseline, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks and included a comprehensive meal questionnaire (Meal-Q), urine samples for pesticide analysis, and fecal samples for gut microbiota diversity. As intervention the groups attended four educational sessions about their specific diet. Linear mixed-effects models were used for data analyses. Results There was no indication of adverse effects of a climate friendly diet (p = 0.79) or an organic diet (p = 0.32) on gut microbiota diversity compared to the control group. Pesticide residues that showed negative effects on gut microbiota diversity were mepiquat (p &amp;lt; 0.05) and chlormequat (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The single food items that had adverse effects on gut microbiota diversity was Lemonade (p &amp;lt; 0.05), Juice (p &amp;lt; 0.05), and Brie cheese (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions Despite its small sample size, this study provides valuable insights, supported by an 8-week longitudinal design and comprehensive monitoring of dietary habits. Notably, both climate-friendly and organic diets showed trends toward increased gut microbiota diversity over time. These findings need to be confirmed in future studies with longer durations and larger sample size. Key messages • A climate-friendly diet not only benefits planetary health but also holds potential for individual health improvements. • Increased intake of plant-based items did not reduce gut microbiota diversity.

Moving toward a decolonial and intersectional notion of justice for socio-ecological problems: the urban agroecology of the Buckets Revolution

ABSTRACT This article analyses the Buckets Revolution, an urban agroecological movement in a Brazilian favela that emerged to address waste management issues. We aim to explore the movement’s achievements in promoting socio—cological justice in a vulnerable community of the Global South through agroecology, investigating: i) what socio-ecological problems and intersected demands for justice boosted the emergence of the Buckets Revolution? and ii) what demands for justice the BR has been dealing with to overcome the socio-ecological injustices borne by the Chico Mendes community? We apply the socio-ecological justice model as our theoretical framework, with a decolonial and feminist intersectional approach to embrace the complexity of the case study. The research methods focus on embracing the local reality and the community views, encompassing bibliographical research, a focus group, and semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that this agroecological movement has effectively addressed organic waste management, food insecurity, and other socio-ecological issues, contributing to socio-ecological justice in the Chico Mendes community. The study emphasizes the importance of considering the a) interconnections of social and ecological problems, b) intersected dimensions of justice, and c) needs and views of the community when developing environmental urban policies to achieve social justice and ecological sustainability.

Promoting health information and healthy behaviors: Results from a qualitative study

Abstract Background and aim Healthy living behaviors can prevent many chronic diseases. This study aimed to explore qualitative perceptions and behaviors about healthy lifestyles in a district’s residents. Methods This qualitative research was conducted through in-depth interviews with 24 participants aged 28 to 63 in Türkiye. Results Of the 24 participants, six were men. The themes were daily routines; health information-seeking behavior, beliefs, motivation for healthy living, dietary habits, daily movement, psychological relaxation, unhealthy behaviors, facilitators, and barriers. Individuals’ daily routines were shaped by caregiving duties or work. Health information was preferred from professionals, TV, family health history, and the Internet. Male participants lacked the need to seek health information. Also, some participants believed that diseases are unavoidable and incurable. People with growing children or a family member with a serious illness like cancer often report practicing healthy behaviors. Participants have different healthy eating patterns, including organic eating, home cooking, regular meals, more fruits and vegetables, increased water intake, avoiding late-night eating, and steering clear of packaged foods, salt, and sugar. Many participants walked regularly for physical and mental health; they also expressed avoiding negative people and engaging in hobbies and social activities to maintain psychological well-being. Smoking participants had attempted to quit smoking. Some participants said that adding salt to their food before tasting. Factors cited as hindering healthy behaviors included lack of time, financial constraints, and cultural reasons. Conclusions Despite awareness of healthy living, many participants struggle to implement it due to lack of motivation, busy work schedules, social and physical environments, and economic factors. Multisectoral collaboration to create environments that support healthy behaviors can improve public health.

Dietary trajectory profiles of French adults over time: Multicriteria analysis of sustainability

Abstract Despite the urgent need for sustainable dietary transitions, few studies have examined current dietary trajectories using longitudinal data. This study aimed to identify dietary consumption trajectory profiles over an 8-year period (2014-2022) while assessing their sustainability in a multicriteria approach. Consumption data from NutriNet-Santé cohort participants were collected using FFQs in 2014, 2018 and 2022. Dietary trajectory profiles were modeled using group-based multi-trajectory based on factors from Principal Component Analysis on energy-adjusted consumption data (n = 17,187). Profiles were analyzed for sustainability (environmental and nutritional dimensions) using multi-adjusted mixed-effects models. Six trajectory profiles (P) were identified. P0 (considered as reference) had average consumption for all food groups, with increased plant-based intake over time. In comparison, P1 had the highest baseline alcohol (+301%) and offal intake, increasing processed meat (+74%) and decreasing offal over time. P2 had higher milk (+187%) and sweet drinks intake, increasing animal substitutes (+1737%) and whole-grain products. P3 had higher nuts (+680%) and legumes intake, increasing egg (+166%) and reducing fruit juice. P4 had high fish (+39%) and fruit intake, increasing butter (+53%) and reducing alcohol. P5 had higher pork (+143%) and red meat intake, increasing fish (+31%) and reducing dairy. Initially, P3 and P4 had the lowest GHG emissions (-18%, -49% vs. P0), best nutritional profiles, and higher organic food consumption. P5 had the greatest environmental impact (+51%) and the lowest nutritional scores. Over time, P0 reduced GHG emissions and improved nutritional scores. P3 and P4 showed minimal changes, while P5 had the greatest GHG emissions decrease (-14%) and nutritional quality improvements. Identifying ongoing dietary transition trajectories, our findings contribute to optimizing targeted actions aimed at promoting sustainable dietary consumption habits. Key messages • Regardless of initial dietary preferences, French adults exhibit an overall trend over time towards increased intake of plant-based foods and decreased intake of red meats, at varying scales. • French adults exhibit varying degrees of transition towards more sustainable diets, with an overall decrease in GHG emissions from food consumption and an improvement in their nutritional profiles.

Analyzing barriers for organic food consumption in India: a DEMATEL-based approach

Analyzing barriers for organic food consumption in India: a DEMATEL-based approach

Assessing Environmental Concerns, Knowledge and Health Consciousness in Young Adults’ Organic Food Choices

The trend towards buying organic food is declining among young adults, which raises concerns about factors influencing their purchasing behavior. This study investigates factors affecting young adults’ buying behavior of organic food products, including environmental concerns, knowledge, and health consciousness. Survey data was collected from 100 young adults in Selangor, Malaysia. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to analyze the data. The results showed that knowledge about organic food was the strongest predictor of young adults’ organic food purchasing behavior. In addition, concern for the environment had a significant positive influence on young adults’ organic food purchasing behavior, while health consciousness showed no significant influence. These findings offer practical implications for manufacturers: to provide clear product details that can enhance consumers’ knowledge and highlight environmental advantages in marketing strategies to encourage consumption. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the value of environmental awareness and knowledge of organic food and shedding light on the minor influence of health awareness-a topic that has received less attention in other studies.

Organic cropping systems balance environmental impacts and agricultural production

Agriculture provides food to a still growing population but is a major driver of the acceleration of global nutrient flows, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Policies such as the European Farm2Fork strategy aim to mitigate the environmental impact of land-use by fostering organic farming. To assess long-term environmental impact of organic food production we synthesized more than four decades of research on agronomic and environmental performance of the oldest system comparison experiment on organic and conventional cropping systems (DOK experiment). Two organic systems (bioorganic and biodynamic) are compared with two conventional (manure-based integrated and mineral-based) systems all with the same arable crop rotation including grass-clover, and manure from livestock integrated in all except the mineral-based system. Organic systems used 92% less pesticides and 76% less mineral nitrogen than conventional systems. Nitrogen use efficiency, that also considers biological nitrogen fixation, was above 85% for all systems. Organic fertilization with farmyard manure maintained or increased soil carbon and nitrogen stocks in the long term, especially in the biodynamic system with manure compost. Conventional mineral-based cropping reduced soil organic carbon and nitrogen stocks. Higher soil organic carbon stocks in organic cropping did not translate to increased N2O emissions, which were the main driver for 56% lower soil-based, area-scaled climate impact compared to the integrated conventional system with manure. Organic cropping systems, especially compost-based biodynamic, showed enhanced soil health, richness of micro- and macrofauna and weed species. Highest yields were achieved in integrated conventional system, with highest total nitrogen inputs and enhanced soil health compared to pure mineral fertilization. Yet, these benefits come at the cost of lower nitrogen use efficiency and higher N2O emissions. Despite a rigorous reduction of inputs yields of the organic systems achieved 85% of the conventional systems. We demonstrate at field level that organic cropping systems with reduced external nutrient inputs have less climate impact and a larger in-situ biodiversity, while providing a fertile ground for the future development of sustainable agricultural production systems.