Analysis of the state of knowledge on quality, consumer protection and processing of organic food
Description:
The aim of the project was to reveal and evaluate the current state of knowledge of the processing and quality of organic food, and of consumer protection. The project team consisted of scientists from the Forschungsinstitut für biologischen Landbau (Research Institute of Organic Agriculture – Germany and Switzerland) and Frick), the Büro für Lebensmittelkunde, Forschungsring für Biologisch-Dynamische Wirtschaftsweise e.V., and the University of Kassel’s Department for Organic Food Quality and Food Culture. The project, which was very time-limited, focused on the following topics and product groups. In relation to quality: - Health - Taste - Specific organic qualities - Authenticity and traceability In relation to processing: - Raw ingredients, storage, and technology for these product groups: -- Grain -- Milk -- Meat - Sustainability in businesses and along the process chain - Packaging Existing knowledge, current problems, and the latest development trends were identified using appropriate methods and discussed on the basis of international literature and expert interviews. Short general reports were written on all the topics. These provide a brief but sound overview of the current state of knowledge and make it possible to identify any gaps in existing knowledge. The final report, which covers all the topics looked at in the project, was published in German and in English. Overall, it is fair to say that a considerable amount of research and progress is needed for all the topics discussed and that knowledge transfer needs to improve significantly as well. In addition to a number of specific issues, there are several basic issues, such as a requirements specification for “organic processing”, which have yet to be researched and dealt with adequately. However, this research needs to be carried out before some of the specific issues can be dealt with, as looking at these problems will establish priorities and methods that can be used.
Executive Institute:
Research Institute of Organic Agriculture Germany (FiBL) Details of Research Institute of Organic Agriculture Germany
Contract period:
08. 06. 2011 - 31. 03. 2012
Project budget:
189,439 €
Funding Programme:
- BMELV - BÖLN - Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture Details of BMELV - BÖLN - Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture
Subject:
- Food Processing
- Organic Farming
Purpose of research:
Inventory & Assessment
Funding Institutions:
- Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV) Details of (BMELV)
Project Management Agency:
- Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) Details of BLE