Many farmers define organic farming as “non-toxic” agriculture. Farming is considered toxic when practices deplete minerals from the soil, destroying symbiotic bacteria and being harmful to the overall environment. Farmers play an important role in protecting biodiversity while trying to increase food production. Biodiversity is the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
Chemicals?
So then does organic farming mean 100% chemical-free? Not necessarily as we will discuss. One thing is for certain, the word “chemical” is a pretty loaded term when it comes to agriculture. Let’s take a closer look.
As a start, to be certified organic, beyond being antibiotic-free and hormone-free, farmers are not permitted to use synthetic chemicals for situations such as pest control. Organic farmers attempt to use other natural practices first. But there are actually chemicals that are permitted substances by the organic standards of certifying bodies. The product would have to be naturally derived and go through a stringent approval process by the organic certifying body before a farmer could use it. The annual organic certification process keeps the use of chemicals in organic production to a minimum and certainly eliminates the chemicals of concern such like glyphosate, benomyls group and manebs.
A Practical Balance
The word chemical means different things to different people, especially to farmers. Some farmers believe there is a natural and biological solution to every problem. There is a lot of research around the merits of organic farming, to eradicate issues like pests, without the use of chemicals. (Ladybugs, for instance, are often used in integrated organic farming to eat aphids and other crop destroyers.) Being 100% chemical-free means no herbicides, insecticides and fungicides are ever used for pest control.
Yet contrary to what most people believe, “organic” does not automatically mean “pesticide-free” or “chemical-free”. As stated, there are approved chemical sprays and powders that organic farmers can use. These pesticides are derived from all natural sources without any synthetic manufacturing. These chemicals cannot be applied using equipment that had been used to apply any synthetic materials within a certain period. The same goes for the land.
This all really comes down to a practical perspective. Organic and natural farming is all about balance. The same goes for the use of approved chemicals. Farmers have to make balanced choices to address practical issues every season. The upstanding local and sustainable farmer never makes these choices lightly.
As always, if you are concerned, we advise speaking directly to a farmer. They can tell you what efforts are made to farm chemical-free.
Any questions? Leave a comment.