Now that the claim that organic foods are more nutritious
than conventionally-produced ones is rarely espoused by responsible writers,
organic producers and adherents have fallen back on the “fewer pesticides”
claim. But is that really accurate? Blogger Steven Savage says no, not really.
In his essay on why
organic farming is less than optimal from an environmental point of view, Mr.
Savage points out that some pesticides are indeed permitted for organic
farming, albeit only those presumed to be non-synthetic. But some of these are
quite toxic to many aquatic critters and are less effective — meaning they must
be used more often — than their synthetic counterparts. In addition, because
these pesticides may be less effective, some fungi may well remain on the
crops, leaving them open to attack by other organisms.
ACSH’s Dr. Josh Bloom informs us, “The distinction
between natural and synthetic pesticides is both artificial and manipulative.
As I have said dozens of times, it makes no difference where a chemical comes
from—only the properties of the chemical itself. Yet, the organic food industry
continues to harp on this because it works.”
Yet another caveat he mentions is the lower efficiency of
organic farming. The decreased yield from organic agriculture in general, and
the forbidding of genetically modified crops that could increase yield, combine
to increase pressure to include more currently non-agricultural lands in
farming. For more on current organic myths, read his essay here.....To Read More.....
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