Can that be true? I did some research and what I found was a surprise to me and will most likely be to you as well. Have a seat, because there is no simple answer here and I will do my best to inform you of my findings.
First, organic means that farmers cannot use synthetic pesticides, but they CAN AND DO use organic pesticides.
Secondly, some organic pesticides (rotenone), have been proven highly dangerous to humans. That’s because rotenone kills by attacking mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of all living cells. And if you think that’s the bad news, there’s more… According to the National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy, the top two organic fungicides, copper and sulfur, were used at a rate of 4 and 34 pounds per acre. In contrast, the synthetic fungicides only required a rate of 1.6 lbs per acre, less than half the amount of the organic alternatives. My own feeling on this is that the less we impact our environment the better! Mother earth is dealing with enough toxins already.
So you’re probably asking: What’s a person to do?:
There are choices, but you have to do some research.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) uses environmentally sound ways to keep pests from invading your home, damaging your plants, or annoying you.
I had no idea IPM existed, so I did some research on IPM and here is what I found. Successful IPM combines several methods to prevent and manage pest problems without harming you, your family, or the environment. In IPM, using pesticides may be an option, but when nonchemical methods are used first, pesticides are often not needed.
My recommendation to you is to look for LOCAL farms that use IPM or organic methods and ask them what pesticides they use. Do your own due diligence, and then you can rest assured that you are purchasing safe, healthy food for your family.
I found several farms who either use IPM or do not use any pesticides at all in the Berkshires. Check your area and see what you can find for yourself!
Best of Health,
Kathi
