I was speaking with customers last week about how we deal with pests without using harmful synthetic chemicals and thought I would clarify some misconceptions about organic farming that are floating around. Like all organic farms, we use organic pesticides as a part of a multi-pronged strategy to prevent pests from destroying our crops.
Our first line of defense is diversity: diversity of crops, crop rotation, and biodiversity in non-commercial parts of the farm. The more diverse an ecosystem, the more resilient it tends to be. This is true of natural systems and agricultural ones too! By staying on top of harvesting, we also help to eliminate ideal pest conditions.
Preventative measures work much of the time, but when pests like snails, aphids, or white fly start to take over, we turn to approved organic pesticides, such as Ecocarb, Eco-Oil, Pyrethrum, or Dipel, to reduce their numbers and save crops.
What’s the difference between these and synthetic non-organic pesticides? In simple terms, organic treatments do not harm people, soil microbiology, or the environment. They break down quickly in UV light, soil, and/or water and only harm the pests they target. They also tend to be less potent, sometimes requiring repeated applications.
Although our produce isn’t certified organic, we follow permaculture principles and strictly adhere to organic growing practices. We do this because it’s the best way to grow food that doesn’t harm the soil and planet and because it produces the healthiest produce for you, our customers!
Lindsay Burlton
Fair Food Coordinator