Tag: Integrated pest management

According to some estimates, conventional coffee farming is one of the most chemically intensive agricultural practices globally, relying heavily on a broad spectrum of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides to protect crops from pests and diseases. This approach is in stark contrast to organic methods, which avoid these harmful chemicals entirely.

Over 25% of "organic" samples tested in a USDA survey were found to have detectable levels of pesticides, though not all were prohibited. The persistent misconception that organic farming uses the same synthetic chemicals as conventional agriculture often leads consumers to ask: are organic vegetables sprayed with Roundup? The answer is a definitive no, as glyphosate—the active ingredient in Roundup—is strictly forbidden in certified organic production.

Contrary to a widespread misconception, an organic certification from the USDA does not mean a product is grown entirely without pesticides; in fact, the rules allow for a restricted list of approved substances, primarily from natural sources.

According to the USDA's National Organic Program, certified organic produce is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides. This means that while Driscoll's organic strawberries have pesticides, they are limited to a specific list of approved, naturally-derived substances.

The idea that organic produce is completely pesticide-free is one of the most common consumer misconceptions about food. It is important for consumers to understand the nuanced regulations of certified organic farming, which permit the use of specific naturally derived pesticides under certain conditions.