Organic farming (pp37-41) Flashcards
what’s organic farming?
based on minimal use of off-farm inputs (synthetic pesticides & fertilizers)
what’s the philosophy behind organic farming? (3)
to work w/ natural processes to conserve resources
maintain biodiversity
minimize waste & environmental impact
what are the responsibilities of the USDA National Organic Program?
- annual inspections
- animals must have organic diets
- sick animals must be treated
- surgical alterations must minimize stress & pain
- document all soil inputs
- farmers develop soil fertility & pest control plans
- buffer zone between them & conventional farms
Organic farming has NNOOO…
antibiotics (w/o illness), growth hormones, GMOs, synthetic pesticides, petroleum/ sewage-based fertilizers, animal feed w/ nasty stuff, animal confinement, irradiation
what does maintaining soil fertility entail?
green “manure,” fish slurry, blood & bone meal, cover crops, crop rotation
what are the 3 ways to control pests?
physical controls
biological controls
microbial pesticides
what are physical controls? (6)
crop rotations, hand-picking, drip irrigation, cleanliness, caulking(sealing)/ barriers, sulfur & copper compounds
what are biological controls? (4)
ladybugs, birds, bats, spiders
what are microbial controls? (2)
- contain a m/o (Bt bacteria) as an active ingredient
- Bt produces a protein that is toxic to some insect species
why does organic food cost more$$$? (4)
not a mass-market item
picked ripe = shorter shelf life
environmentally friendly practices = > labor intensive
methods not subsidized by taxpayers
How is organic the safer choice ? (3)
(1) most organic pesticides are not toxic to mammals; they’re selective to insects (2) bio-accumulation is less (3) organic diets reduce exposure to synthetic pesticides
How is organic the better choice in terms of nutrients?
some organic produce has higher levels of micronutrients bc of the maintenance of soil fertility (vita C, Fe, Mg)
Is organic the better choice in terms of crop yields and the environment?
Crop yields: NO; inconclusive & contradicting research
Environment: YEEEAAAA!
< greenhouse emissions, < fossil fuel use, decreased soil erosion, maintains native inserts & birds, reduces contamination of groundwater
what are other ways to decrease pesticide exposure? (5)
trim fat from meat, scrub produce, discard outer leaves, avoid waxed fruit, support farmer’s markets
=DONT STOP EATING PRODUCE
what are the (odd) roles of the USDA? (4)
- oversees certified organic, but promotes conventional agriculture
- consistently tries to weaken organic standards
- farmers grow organic => less purchase of inputs
- people buy organic => less purchase of conventional and less support for subsidies
