The nutritional and toxicological value of organic vegetables

Abstract

PurposeThe present study aims to explore and compare consumer perception and scientific evidence related to food quality and food safety aspects of organic versus conventional vegetables.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data on consumer perception were gathered in 2006‐2007 through a consumer survey with Flemish adults (n=529) and compared with scientific evidence from literature. Consumers of organic and conventional vegetables were selected by means of a convenience sampling procedure. Subjects were asked to complete a self‐administered questionnaire concerning the perception of the nutritional and toxicological value of organic relative to conventional vegetables. Data processing and analysis included descriptive analysis (frequency distributions), data reduction (Cronbach's alpha test, factor analysis), bivariate analysis (correlations, t‐test, ANOVA) and multivariate analysis (stepwise multiple regression).FindingsIt was found that organic vegetables are perceived as containing less contaminants and more nutrients, and as such, being healthier and safer compared to conventional vegetables. However, not enough evidence is currently available in the literature to support or refute such a perception, indicating a certain mismatch between consumer perception and scientific evidence. The gap between perception and evidence is larger among older consumers with children. The perception is stronger when the consumption frequency is higher, but is independent of gender, place of residence (rural or urban), education and income level. Also non‐users, on average, perceive that organic vegetables have a nutritional and toxicological advantage over conventional vegetables.Research limitations/implicationsA non‐probability convenience sampling method was applied which limits generalisation of the findings beyond the sample characteristics.Originality/valueThis paper is original in comparing consumer perception and scientific facts related to both nutritional and safety aspects of organic versus conventional vegetables.

Why Might Organic Labels Fail to Influence Consumer Choices? Marginal Labelling and Brand Equity Effects

“…For example, in a qualitative study, French people expressed their belief that organic salmon offered better quality in terms of taste and health (Beckman 2005), though neither of these benefits was certified by the label. Organic consumption research similarly has found that the main motives for consuming organic products include perceptions of superior taste (Hughner et al 2007;Magnusson et al 2003;Roddy et al 1996;Schifferstein and Oude Ophuis 1998;Wolf McGarry et al 2009) and health concerns (Chinnici et al 2002;Huang 1996;Hughner et al 2007;Hutchins and Greenhalgh 1995;Mondelaers et al 2009a;Schifferstein and Oude Ophuis 1998;Tregear et al 1994;Wolf McGarry et al 2009;Zanolli and Naspetti 2002), though these benefits have not been proven (Hoefkens et al 2009 …”

Influence of Organic Farming on the Potato Transcriptome

“…Stg3 plays a key role in the conversion of beta-GA to alpha-GA (95% of the total GA content). Irrespective of the farming system, stg3 expression was strongly higher during 2007 than in 2008, indicating a strong influence of the year and possibly explaining why the literature regarding the incidence of organic farming on glycoalkaloid metabolism is often contradictory [7,31]. However, during season 2007, stg3 expression remained unchanged between organic and conventional tuber, in accordance with the GA content evaluated in the same tubers [10], while during 2008, its expression was lower in organic than in conventional tubers, as previously observed [11].…”

“…The ascorbic acid (ASA) content of organically-grown tubers remains object of debate [7,8]. ASA is a key component of the plant antioxidant system and is often associated with the stress response.…”

“…As public opinion has started to demonstrate a belief that organic food is healthier than conventional food, the current consumer trends in organic food consumption have greatly increased (5-11% per year in the United States and nearly 10% per year in Europe; [2,3]). However, scientific knowledge still cannot address the question regarding the supposed additional benefit, although it is well established that environmental factors, including farming practices, may greatly influence the transcriptome, proteome, and chemical composition of tubers and, ultimately, their nutritional and organoleptic quality [3][4][5][6][7][8]. From this perspective, very few studies are available concerning proteomic [9], metabolomic [10], and transcriptomic [11] approaches that investigate the impact of agricultural practices on tuber composition, and no previous study was replicated for more years or compared more genotypes.…”

An Exploratory study of factors related to Consumer Behaviour towards purchase of Fruits and Vegetables from different Retail Formats

“…Gender plays a very important role in purchasing of the fruits and vegetables in different culture, religion, cast and focused group. The bridging down of the traditional and organic products (Hoefkens et al, 2009) [28]can be considered through the different aspects of the retailing, branding and behavioral point of view.…”