When these pesticides are used, synthetic chemicals can only be used in organic farming and processing if they are approved by the USDA National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), a process that includes a detailed checklist (http://www.beyondpesticides.org/organicfood/action/nosb-checklist.htm) of possible health and environmental impacts and considers the need for the chemical.

Right now, there are about 50 entries included on the “National List” of allowable synthetic materials. These include alcohols used as disinfectants, soap-based insecticides, newspaper weed barriers, and vitamins. On the other hand, there are tens of thousands of synthetic chemicals, including over 200 pesticide “active ingredients,” approved for use in conventional systems, not to mention chemical fertilizers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), antibiotics, sewage sludge and irradiation.

As mentioned in the article, we have compiled a list of 25 pesticides (http://www.beyondpesticides.org/christmastrees/pesticides.htm) commonly used or recommended for use on Christmas Trees by state agricultural extension services, including: 2,4-D, bifenthrin, and chlorpyrifos. The Pesticide Induced Diseases Database (http://www.beyondpesticides.org/health/) documents the numerous health effects associated with these pesticides.

We maintain that while there is always room for improvement, 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. You can read more about this here: http://www.beyondpesticides.org/organicfood/action