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HuckleB

(35,773 posts)
Thu Apr 28, 2016, 11:57 AM Apr 2016

Organic Pesticides. Yes, They Do Exist, And Are Used. [View all]

http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/organic-pesticides/

"...

Of course, there is no discussion about the absolute level of the pesticides, and the fact that such levels are insignificant and pose no known risk. But there is a deeper deception in this video and many studies looking at the difference in pesticide exposure between conventional and organic produce. They are only testing for pesticides not used by organic farmers. They are not testing for pesticides that are used in organic farming.

The game, therefore, is completely rigged, and the outcome is assured. If they tested only for organic pesticides the results would be flipped.

...

The fact is that the use of pesticides are allowed in organic farming, mostly derived from natural sources but also some synthetic chemical deemed “essential.” There is no apriori reason to assume that chemical pesticides derived from natural sources are safer or better for the environment that synthetic ones.

...

I am also not arguing for the overuse or simplistic use of pesticides as an easy solution. The consensus seems to be for integrated pest management. There are also some techniques favored by organic farmers which can help reduce reliance on pesticides. Whatever works is good, but we should follow the evidence, not ideology."


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Just a little perspective.

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I recall reading that there's a bit of a turf war. Wilms Apr 2016 #1
That argument, of course, points out the reality that "organic" is just a marketing term. HuckleB Apr 2016 #2
The small farmers, you, and I agree. Wilms Apr 2016 #6
Regardless, it's always been just a marketing term. HuckleB Apr 2016 #8
Also conventional produce gets exported and magically imported back as "organic." yellowcanine Apr 2016 #4
Eek! Wilms Apr 2016 #7
Scams may beget scams. HuckleB Apr 2016 #16
Nicotine is very toxic to humans. Rotenone is somewhat toxic. yellowcanine Apr 2016 #3
Luckily, rotenone is not really used any more. HuckleB Apr 2016 #5
Nicotine has been banned for at least 14 years appal_jack Apr 2016 #18
All I can tell you is that there are many warnings about Neem and pregnancy yellowcanine Apr 2016 #19
All true points. appal_jack Apr 2016 #20
The persistence of synthetic pesticides is correct. The flip side of that is that organic yellowcanine Apr 2016 #21
There is also the issue of fuel use and pollution for each added application of organic products. HuckleB Apr 2016 #24
Just yesterday I saw the only real difference, between "organic" and others. Archae Apr 2016 #9
Corporate marketing, at its ugliest. HuckleB Apr 2016 #10
Like to get me some of that GMO chicken.... yellowcanine Apr 2016 #14
It's CRISPR! HuckleB Apr 2016 #15
Pyrethroids are derivatives of the chrysanthemum Drahthaardogs Apr 2016 #11
All good and well, the LD50 is still not better than for things like glyphosate or Imidacloprid. HuckleB Apr 2016 #12
Pyrethroids are synthetic pyrethrins. yellowcanine Apr 2016 #13
Most synthetic pesticides are derived from naturally occurring ones Major Nikon Apr 2016 #22
. HuckleB Apr 2016 #17
Save the Bees! Ban these two toxic organic pesticides immediately HuckleB Apr 2016 #23
Natural versus Synthetic Chemicals Is a Gray Matter HuckleB Apr 2016 #25
It's a marketing gimmick based on an appeal to nature fallacy Major Nikon Apr 2016 #28
Alas, you are correct on all accounts. -eom- HuckleB Apr 2016 #30
The term "organic pesticides" will confuse the hell out of everybody struggle4progress Apr 2016 #26
All true, but in this era it's well understood via the mass marketing of "organic" food. HuckleB Apr 2016 #27
Two different definitions Major Nikon Apr 2016 #29
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