Organic Farming Lessens Reliance on Pesticides and Promotes Public Health by Lowering Dietary Risks

Abstract

Organic agriculture is a production system that relies on prevention, ecological processes, biodiversity, mechanical processes, and natural cycles to control pests and maintain productivity. Pesticide use is generally limited or absent in organic agroecosystems, in contrast with non-organic (conventional) production systems that primarily rely on pesticides for crop protection. Significant differences in pesticide use between the two production systems markedly alter the relative dietary exposure and risk levels and the environmental impacts of pesticides. Data are presented on pesticide use on organic and non-organic farms for all crops and selected horticultural crops. The relative dietary risks that are posed by organic and non-organic food, with a focus on fresh produce, are also presented and compared. The results support the notion that organic farms apply pesticides far less intensively than conventional farms, in part because, over time on well-managed organic farms, pest pressure falls when compared to the levels on nearby conventional farms growing the same crops. Biopesticides are the predominant pesticides used in organic production, which work by a non-toxic mode of action, and pose minimal risks to human health and the environment. Consequently, eating organic food, especially fruits and vegetables, can largely eliminate the risks posed by pesticide dietary exposure. We recommend ways to lower the pesticide risks by increased adoption of organic farming practices and highlight options along organic food supply chains to further reduce pesticide use, exposures, and adverse worker and environmental impacts.

Content and Distribution of Macroelements, Microelements, and Rare-Earth Elements in Different Tomato Varieties as a Promising Tool for Monitoring the Distinction between the Integral and Organic Systems of Production in Zeleni hit—Official Enza and Vitalis Trial and Breeding Station

“…The content of mineral elements in tomato is influenced by the availability of minerals in the soil and it is strongly dependent on local geological setting and agronomic practice, such as conventional, integral, or organic farming system [14]. Given the growing concern for human health and the environment due to the increased use of pesticides in agriculture, the identification of agricultural food production systems is gaining importance, and therefore organic production is recommended [15]. Compared to integral production, organic production involves the application of natural processes and substances while respecting environmental principles, the use of renewable energy sources, conservation of natural diversity and environmental protection, and limits or completely eliminate the use of synthetic materials [5,16].…”

Psychological and Physical Health of Organic and Conventional Farmers: A Review

“…Organic farming is often mentioned as a solution to these health problems, such as pesticides [14]. Organic agriculture favors prevention and management practices that respect natural balances rather than the use of interventions and production factors of external origin derived from synthetic chemistry.…”

Sustainable Crop and Weed Management in the Era of the EU Green Deal: A Survival Guide

“…However, consecutive herbicide use is not only observed in the EU, but it is also a major component for crop protection in developed and developing countries [22,23]. In the USA, the herbicide input in conventional crops has been raised by 34% from to 2012 to 2019 [24]. The release of the Sustainable Use of pesticides Directive (SUD) in 2009, the agreements in the Paris Agreement for Climate Change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of UN in 2015 and lastly the initiation of the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy (F2F) in 2019 created a fertile ground for the transition of agricultural systems for the achievement of resilience and sustainability.…”