Definitions

Transgenesis: the process to create a genetically modified organism (GMO). It consists of laboratory interventions which, through the insertion of genes and other hereditary sequences, aim to modify the organisms' genetic makeup.

Agrarianism: refers to the ethos of living in close connection with the land and the food production system with a sense of stewardship and passion.

Well-being: the state of being well, happy or prosperous; the condition of happiness and good health – state of wellness.

Wholefood: highest quality, least processed food.

Organic: refers to the non-use of chemicals in all aspects of food production.

Functional food: as defined by the Institute of Medicine in Washington, are those foods that encompass potentially healthful products including any modified food or ingredient that may provide a health benefit beyond the traditional nutrients it contains. Functional foods can include foods like cereals, breads and beverages which are fortified with vitamins, herbs, or nutraceuticals.

Antioxidant: any substance that reduces oxidative damage (damage due to oxygen such as that caused by free radicals). Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that attack molecules by capturing electrons and thus modifying chemical structures.

Phytochemical: the term phytochemical is a fairly recent term that emphasises the plant source of some of these health-protecting compounds. Currently, the terms 'phytochemical' and 'phytonutrient' are being used interchangeably to describe the active components of plants. Scientists are examining the antioxidant, immune-boosting and other health-promoting properties of active compounds in plants. Phytonutrients or pyhtochemicals that are being studied presently include (and are not limited to) terpenes, carotenoids, limonoids, and phytosterols.

Phytonutrient: currently the terms 'phytonutrient' and phytochemical' are being used interchangeably to describe those plant compounds which are thought to have health-protecting qualities and disease-preventing compounds.

Allopathic medicine: allopathic medicine is modern medicine. It is a method of treating disease by the use of agents producing effects different from those of the disease being treated.

Glycoprotein: a molecule that consists of a carbohydrate (sugar) plus a protein. Glycoproteins play essential roles in the body. For instance, in the immune system almost all of the key molecules involved in the immune response are glycoproteins.

Bio-dynamic: biodynamics is a method of agriculture which seeks to actively work with the health-giving forces of nature. It is the oldest non-chemical agricultural movement, predating the organic agriculture movement by some 20 years. It is based on the philosophies of Rudolf Steiner.

Macrobiotic: macrobiotics is a dietary philosophy loosely based on Chinese medicine. People following a macrobiotic diet eliminate almost all processed foods, including flour and sweeteners, from their diet and eat primarily unprocessed, unrefined foods like whole grains, beans, seaweed, certain vegetables and fermented foods (soy sauce, miso, pickles, sauerkraut)

Organic certification: certified organic products are grown and processed without the use of synythetic chemicals, fertilisers, or GMOs. Certification meets international standards which are assured through annual audits of all certified operators by an independent third party auditor.

DDT: DDT or Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane is a colourless crystalline organochloride insecticide. It is very soluble in fats and most organic solvents and practically insoluble in water.

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): EDCs possess the characteristic ability to alter, or disrupt, hormone or endocrine systems. Known or suspected endocrine disruptors include industrial chemicals such as dioxin and PCBs, a number of now-banned pesticides such as DDT and chlordane, and certain other synthetic chemicals. Livestock production can cause natural hormones eg estrogens excreted in animal manures, to move to surface water and reach high concentrations, where they may also have an endocrine disrupting effect.

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO): a genetically modified organism is an organism whose genetic material has been deliberately altered. Examples are diverse, and include commercial strains of wheat that have been modified by irradiation since the 1050s, transgenic experimental animals such as mice, or various microscopic organisms altered for the purposes of genetic research.

Homogenised milk: homogenisation is used on fresh milk to prevent the separation of the cream layer. During the process hot milk is forced under high pressure through small nozzles. The fat globules become small enough so that they remain evenly dispersed throughout the milk.

Pasteurised: pasteurisation is the process of heating food for the purpose of killing harmful organisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, moulds, and yeasts.