Advocates for organic farming have often presented it as being more beneficial for both people and the environment. However, a recent study conducted in a California county revealed an unexpected consequence as the amount of land dedicated to organic farming increased: conventional farms in the surrounding area started using more pesticides. The researchers attribute this change to the need to combat a rise in insects that pose a threat to their crops.

According to Ashley Larsen, the main writer of the research published in the current issue of Science, comprehending the situation could have significant implications in preventing interference between organic and conventional farming practices.

Larsen, an associate professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, expressed concern about any potential unintended consequences of an anticipated rise in organic growth. He questioned how to prevent such harm.

In contrast, the scientists discovered that when organic farms were in close proximity to other organic fields, they used less pesticides. This may be because both types of farms rely on insects that are natural enemies of agricultural pests. While organic farms are permitted to use approved pesticides, they often utilize beneficial insects as a first line of defense against pests. According to Larsen, grouping or concentrating organic fields in a specific area could potentially offer this benefit or solution.

Over a span of seven years, 14,000 fields in Kern County, California were examined by the researchers.

According to the USDA, the area of land used for organic farming has been increasing since 2000. However, it still makes up less than 1% of all farmland. Larsen and her team suggest that maintaining a clear separation between organic and conventional farms could be advantageous for both types.

However, numerous farmers, both traditional and organic, oppose implementing policies that would limit the locations where certain techniques can be employed. Additionally, some external researchers argued that further investigation is necessary before proposing any policy suggestions. They pointed out that the research did not evaluate the type or quantity of insects in each farm, suggesting that the heightened use of pesticides could have been a preventative measure.

However, the comprehensive data set presented in the study is valuable in prompting important inquiries about farming methods and pesticide usage, according to Christian Krupke, an entomology professor at Purdue University who specializes in studying insects. Although the overall insect population is declining, a phenomenon referred to as the “insect apocalypse” by some researchers, Krupke suggests that pesticide usage is not being reduced.

According to Krupke, the study demonstrates how traditional farmers view organic farms as a central source of possible outbreaks in their area.

David Haviland, a researcher from the University of California not affiliated with the research, concurred. He recounted the struggle in Kern County to manage the glassy-winged sharpshooter, a pest that attacks citrus trees and can introduce destructive plant diseases to grape vines, almond trees, and other crops. Haviland noted that maps of the region clearly reveal organic farms as “major hubs” where this pest thrives in large numbers. As a result, neighboring conventional growers are forced to increase their use of pesticides.

According to Yichao Rui, an agroecologist from Purdue University, farmers sometimes respond by increasing pest control measures not necessarily because of an actual rise in pests, but simply for their own peace of mind. Katy Rogers, who oversees an organic farm near Indianapolis, also stated that the belief that organic farmers have major pest issues is often inaccurate.

On well-run organic farms, we do not intentionally cultivate harmful insect populations, according to the farmer. Instead, we try other methods to combat them first, as these pests could potentially ruin our crops.

Rui stated that examining the environmental impact of organic farming is a noble objective, and there is potential for both organic and conventional farms to make progress. However, he believes that solely focusing on pesticide usage does not take into consideration other factors such as human health, air and water quality, and the diversity of ecosystems that can be influenced by varying farming techniques.

The speaker emphasized the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of various agricultural methods.

According to Brad Wetli, a traditional grain farmer from Indiana, his pest management has remained consistent despite his neighbor’s transition to organic farming four years ago. He speculates that farmers in California who grow valuable crops like fruits, vegetables, and nuts may be more inclined to use additional pesticides, whereas the value of his row crops such as corn and beans per acre may not justify the use of excessive spray in response to insect infestations.

Wetli prioritized effective soil management. He is meticulous about implementing cover crops and has made efforts to minimize tilling, which can lead to soil erosion and water pollution. Wetli also acknowledged that even organic farming can sometimes necessitate tilling.

In the meantime, organic farmers have voiced worries about the study focusing on the impact of organic farms on conventional ones, without considering the reverse situation. For instance, the USDA states that if a banned substance is applied to their fields, even accidentally, organic farms can lose certification for a maximum of three years.

Walter Goldstein, a creator of corn varieties in Wisconsin who cultivates both natural and traditional seeds, was raised on an organic farm surrounded by conventional ones and still recalls the effects of pesticide spray.

He mentioned that there are some odd smells, specifically chemical scents that resemble those from a factory.

Jay Shipman, who owns an organic farm in Kern County near another large organic farm, said that he likes farming next to someone with similar practices “not just because it’s economics,” he said, but because “this is how I eat. This is how I want my family eating.” He added, however, that he grew up in conventional agriculture and understands that trying to convince farmers they should do something differently can be “tough to change, tough to swallow.”

Rogers, who manages an organic farm in Indianapolis, used to work in traditional agriculture and was taught to view organic farmers as adversaries. However, she has since fully dedicated herself to a small, church-operated organic and sustainable farm that grows vegetables, keeps beehives, and produces hay.

Rogers stated that she recognizes the advantages of grouping organic farms together, but expresses concern that separating organic and conventional farmers, as proposed by the researchers, could exacerbate divisions.

She stated that, at our core, we are all responsible for managing land and we all have a desire to make a positive impact.

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Check out Melina Walling’s profile on X, where her handle is @MelinaWalling.

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Source: wral.com