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Posted:12-August-2014

Riverford Organic business owners delighted with new scientific research

Riverford’s network of franchisees are delighted after a new scientific paper recently released, reveals significant differences in the nutritional content of organic and conventional crops (primarily vegetables, fruits and cereals).

Published in the British Journal of Nutrition, it’s the largest and most up-to-date analysis of the nutrient content in organic versus conventionally produced foods. The meta-study (research that collates and examines the results of other studies) analyses significantly more studies than any previously, and was carried out by an international team of scientists led by experts at Newcastle University.

Riverford’s franchise services manager, Nicky Morgan said:

“We’re thrilled with this news. We have always known that organic food looks, feels and tastes different to conventionally produced crops that are generally pushed forward with synthetic fertilisers. It would be extraordinary if these clearly observable differences were not reflected in the nutritional value too, and it now seems that science is catching up with what has always been common sense to us. Great news to Riverford and our franchisees”

It seems that they are not alone in thinking this way; even during the organic food sales slump post 2008, Riverford had a hard core of customers that stuck with them and ensured that while sales plateaued, they never declined. Sales have been increasing year on year since this time, with 2013-2014 figures breaking all previous records and the national delivery scheme now making up to 50,000 deliveries a week.

Nicky Morgan continues, “We’re optimistic for the future and hope that this research will prompt more people across the UK to discover the many benefits of life with a Riverford vegbox.”

The main findings of the research are:

• Organic crops and foods made from them are up to 60% higher in key antioxidants (linked to lower risk of many diseases and cancers) than conventionally-grown crops
• Organic food contains significantly lower levels of toxic heavy metals than conventionally grown crops
• A switch to eating organic fruit, vegetables and cereals (and food made from them) can provide additional antioxidants equivalent to eating 1-2 extra portions of fruit and veg a day
• This study uses ground-breaking new analysis techniques and is the largest investigation into organic food ever completed (analysing 343 studies vs 46 in the FSA commissioned study)

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