Agency seeks contractor to review scientific literature

Friday 12 October 2007

The Agency is seeking a contractor to carry out a systematic review of the scientific literature evaluating the nutrient and non-nutrient content of organic food. The successful applicant will be required to produce a final report by the end of March 2008*.

The main objective is to ensure that the Agency's position on organic food reflects current thinking and is supported by sound scientific evidence.

The contractor must:

• identify and evaluate all relevant studies comparing nutrient and non-nutrient content of organic and non-organic food
• assess the studies’ strengths and weaknesses, and conclusions
• review the body of evidence as a whole, identifying whether and where any nutrient and non-nutrient compositional differences occur
• assess if these compositional differences have any nutritional or other health effects in the context of overall diet

The Agency intends to award the contract by 22 December 2007, with commencement in early January 2008 and delivery of a final report by end of March 2008*.

The contractor will need to show financial standing, and relevant proven experience and qualifications to carry out the work. You can apply by clicking on the link below and returning the questionnaire by midday on Thursday 1 November 2007.

* Subsequently extended to end of July 2008.