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Organic Farming Lessens Reliance on Pesticides and Promotes Public Health by Lowering Dietary Risks

Benbrook, Charles; Kegley, Susan and Baker, Brian P (2021) Organic Farming Lessens Reliance on Pesticides and Promotes Public Health by Lowering Dietary Risks. AGRONOMY, 11 (7), pp. 1-36.

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Summary in the original language of the document

Organic agriculture is a production system that relies on prevention, ecological processes, biodiversity, mechanical processes, and natural cycles to control pests and maintain productivity. Pesticide use is generally limited or absent in organic agroecosystems, in contrast with non-organic (conventional) production systems that primarily rely on pesticides for crop protection. Significant differences in pesticide use between the two production systems markedly alter the relative dietary exposure and risk levels and the environmental impacts of pesticides. Data are presented on pesticide use on organic and non-organic farms for all crops and selected horticultural crops. The relative dietary risks that are posed by organic and non-organic food, with a focus on fresh produce, are also presented and compared. The results support the notion that organic farms apply pesticides far less intensively than conventional farms, in part because, over time on well-managed organic farms, pest pressure falls when compared to the levels on nearby conventional farms growing the same crops. Biopesticides are the predominant pesticides used in organic production, which work by a non-toxic mode of action, and pose minimal risks to human health and the environment. Consequently, eating organic food, especially fruits and vegetables, can largely eliminate the risks posed by pesticide dietary exposure. We recommend ways to lower the pesticide risks by increased adoption of organic farming practices and highlight options along organic food supply chains to further reduce pesticide use, exposures, and adverse worker and environmental impacts.


EPrint Type:Journal paper
Agrovoc keywords:
Language
Value
URI
English
pesticides
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_5739
English
health care
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_49891
English
health risks -> health hazards
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_34013
Subjects: Food systems > Food security, food quality and human health
Environmental aspects > Air and water emissions
Research affiliation: European Union > Horizon Europe > OrganicTargets4EU > External publications
DOI:10.3390/agronomy11071266
Deposited By: Drue, Frederik
ID Code:54121
Deposited On:02 Oct 2024 13:19
Last Modified:02 Oct 2024 13:19
Document Language:English
Status:Published
Refereed:Peer-reviewed and accepted

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