David R Barber: not all conventional farmers use all approved sprays, the best thing is to get to know your farmer. half of all organic sprays are also carcinogenic (September 22 at 6:06pm)

Sue Woolsey: Go organic! (September 22 at 6:15pm)

Lucia Perry: Going organic is better for everyone, ourselves, our Earth, the waters, the animals. Complete the cycle, don’t rob from the soil and then throw it all away! (September 22 at 10:43pm)

Trish Kahler: YEP a gift demands a gift!(September 23 at 7:38am)

Beyond Pesticides: David – The Organic Foods Production Act instructs that the following questions are asked when considering inputs in organic production:
– Are there adverse impacts on humans or the environment?
– Is the substance essential for organic production?
– Is the substance compatible with organic production practices?

The National Organic Standards Board uses the following checklist when deciding whether to approve materials for organic production:
– Is there a toxic or other adverse action of the material or its breakdown products?
– Are there adverse effects on environment from manufacture, use, or disposal?
– Is the substance harmful to the environment and biodiversity?
– Does the substance contain List 1, 2, or 3 inerts?
– Is there potential for detrimental chemical interaction with other materials used?
– Are there adverse biological and chemical interactions in agro-ecosystem?
– Are there detrimental physiological effects on soil organisms, crops, or livestock? (September 23 at 11:04am)

David R Barber: ok so why do certified organic practices allow rotenone which is carcinogenic and extremely toxic to all aquatic life? (just 1 example) please don’t think I’m against organic it’s just that the rules are messed up. If you’re a certified fruit grower the 1st thing you do in the spring is apply a dormant oil spray, petroleum based, when vege oil will work. because they don’t want to spend the extra $ for vege oil. Rattlesnake poison is natural but no one wants to use it. Ryania (sp) was only outlawed about 5 years ago and was approved and used by organic growers for 40 years. (September 23 at 2:51pm)

Reece Wilson: Eek (September 25 at 3:43am)

Beyond Pesticides: David – While there is always room for improvement, I think we would agree that organic agriculture is much better than conventional agriculture. When there is a problem with the organic system, there is a process for the public to weigh in on what is allowable in organic production. The USDA maintains a “National List” of the synthetic substances that may be used and the non-synthetic substances that may not be used in organic production. The public may petition to have any material added or removed from the list. We encourage you to put together a list of materials that shouldn’t be allowed and petition USDA. You could start with Rotenone. We would be happy to help you out. Here’s a link to the petition process: http://bit.ly/9rey5Z. (September 28 at 3:00pm)

David R Barber: personally I think to say only organic always is like another religion, we need to take the good from all places. there are conventional sprays that biodegrade also and many are the same chemical composition as the organic ones just synthesized. The best thing about organic practices are what we do to feed the soil instead of the plants. (September 28 at 5:00pm)