New research shows healthy, nutrient-dense food relates to growing systems – biodynamic and organic management could be superior to conventional systems
Farming systems influence the quality of our soil, food and our health. That’s the finding of a landmark study (PDF, 1.33 MB) where Plant & Food Research Rangahau Ahumara Kai were commissioned by Kete Ora Trust to review more than 260 research papers. This report is the result of Phase 1 of our Nutrient Density research project initiated in 2023.
The literature review aimed to assess the current state of conventional, biodynamic and organic farming systems and map out any connections between food growing systems, food nutrient density, human health and consumer attitudes.
They found evidence in the literature to suggest that the greater the soil life, the greater potential for the transfer of nutrients from soil to crops.
“The soil in which crops grow can have a significant impact on the quality of produce, including the nutritional composition.”
It goes on to say: “The general theme emerging from the literature suggests that biodynamic and organic management leads to elevated soil health and these practices generally promote more soil life than conventional growing systems.”
They found evidence in the literature to suggest that the greater the soil life, the greater potential for the transfer of nutrients from soil to crops. i
“Nutrient-dense foods are important for health because they deliver more of what the body needs for good health (i.e. vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats) and less of what it doesn’t need as much of (i.e. saturated fat, sodium and refined sugars),” the Report adds. Nutrient dense foods support both physical and mental health.
However, it also notes there are gaps in the research of biodynamics growing practices, and what organic growing practice data there is, is variable. It also comments on a lack of multiple studies on the same crop within different systems, and research in an Aotearoa New Zealand setting.
This report showed huge potential for future studies. This vital review and themes found within will help guide research into key areas to help understand exactly which practices deliver improved soil health and how, in order to help drive improvements in nutrient density and crop composition.
Chair of the Kete Ora Trust, Sam Weaver, welcomed the findings, saying that the Plant & Food Research report is Phase One of a study that will understand more clearly the links between soil health and human health, via growing systems in an Aotearoa New Zealand context.
“What we know is that living, healthy soil and good human health are closely related, and biodynamic and organic agriculture can make a significant difference to producing healthy, uncontaminated, nutrient dense food, compared to conventional agriculture. By improving our soil health, we can improve our human health.
From this study we now need to move to further applied research to show how these differences play out in an Aotearoa New Zealand setting with local crops. Kete Ora Trust is inviting funders to the next phase of applied research, which will provide vital information for growers, consumers, policy makers, the agricultural and health sectors.”
New Zealand is at a pivot point. By taking this opportunity to further our understanding of the relationship between food quality and our growing systems we can be at the forefront of a global wave by strongly demonstrating the link to the health of our soil and our own health. At the same time, we can become a world leader in the production of truly healthy food for New Zealanders and our critical export markets,” Mr Weaver said.
Read the full report here. (PDF, 1.33 MB)
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Posted: 2 August 2024
