OTA.COM 33 organic production, consumers can reduce their risk of dietary exposure when they consume organic products. But the benefits of organic don’t stop there. Science also shows that organic spices, herbs, and teas can have higher concentrations of beneficial bioactive substances like vitamin C and antioxidants. Benefits for Worker Health and Safety Consumers should know that the benefits of organic spices, herbs, and teas go beyond quality when considering the numerous individuals who are involved in their production—from growing to processing—and where there may be less regulation of pesticides and their use. Research shows that occupational exposure to harmful pesticides is prevalent in conventional production of spices, herbs, and teas, and that organic production reduces this exposure. “There’s a history of intense pesticides used in tea, which led to skin diseases and growths,” says Raj Vable from Young Mountain Tea about tea estates in India. “They have pictures in the processing facilities warning tea farmers to use organic, otherwise this is what happens.” In the southern state of Kerala, where spices have been produced for centuries, a survey identified that all 300 pesticide applicators reported at least one symptom of acute pesticide poisoning (APP) from 30 cardamom plantations in the Idukki district region. APP is a major occupational hazard, especially for women, where pesticide use in these plantations is some of the highest in the world. Organic production promotes alternative measures for pest control and when necessary, allows for the use of less-toxic pesticides, reducing the potential risk for harm to those who apply them. Socioeconomic Benefits With deep colonial roots, oppressive systems currently exist in many historical spice and tea producing regions today. For instance, business models from the colonial British era are still present in Indian tea estates: private entities own the land and facilities where the tea is grown and processed, and where tea farmers and workers live, controlling their choices for housing, food and healthcare, and subsidies for their children’s education. Multiple studies show that producing spices and teas for the organic supply chain offers many social and economic benefits that help combat these oppressive systems. Organic production of spices, herbs, and teas can improve livelihood, opportunities, and social benefits for resource-poor, small-scale farmers, including more options for paid, local work that disproportionately benefits women of reproductive ages. The organic premium increases household incomes, and this can be boosted even further when combined with fair trade premiums. Environmental Benefits The body of science that shows the environmental benefits of organic farming is vast and growing, and these benefits also flow through the production systems of spices, herbs, and teas. The bulk of available studies focus on tea production and showcase benefits related to soil health, biodiversity, the reduction of heavy metals, and climate change mitigation. Specifically, the reduction of chemical fertilizers and pesticide use in organic tea plantations improves soil microbial communities and water quality and has a positive impact on soil acidification. In one study, organic soil fertility management improved tea quality and reduced heavy metals in the soil and tea leaves. Organic tea production, like organic production in general, is climate smart. Multiple studies found that when organic practices are used, soil in organic tea plantations sequestered more carbon, and more stable carbon. This was an especially strong outcome of long-term organic management of over 10 years, where gaps in yield also decreased. Improving the storage of soil organic carbon not only helps mitigate climate change for everyone, but is especially important locally, where it helps farmers better cope with the impacts of extreme weather. Katrina Hunter is the Manager of Science Programs at The Organic Center (organic-center.org). Sneak Peek! The Organic Center is a small organization achieving big results, with a mission to convene and communicate credible, evidence-based science on the health and environmental benefits of organic food and farming. The Center aims to produce annual topical reports to help communicate to consumers the differences behind organic, as backed by science. The Organic Center is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) research and education organization operating under the administrative auspices of Organic Trade Association. For more information on The Organic Center and the (in)credible science behind organic, and to support The Center, visit www.organic-center.org. •
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