Brian Dunning introduces ‘InFact’ as the show that gives you the real facts behind behind popular myths. In this clip Brian apparently exposes the myths about organic food. He implies there are no real benefits to eating an organic diet. In fact, Brian makes a number of incorrect statements and fails to support any of his claims with genuine research or information.

So we’re just going to take a little time to explore some of his criticisms about organic farming and food.

Brian says:

“(one of) the biggest misconception is that organic food is not grown with fertilisers or pesticides.”

We say: Of course organic food is grown with fertilisers and uses pest control techniques. The difference is that in organic farming fertilisers are made from natural sources such as compost, or manure and don’t harm the environment. Organic fertilisers sold in shops cannot be made from synthetic materials either. Synthetic fertilisers contain a narrower range of nutrients, and do damage the environment.

The European Commission has this to say about about conventional fertilisers:

“Increased use of fertilisers has had an obvious impact on crop management with improvements in farmers’ yields. However, in agricultural soils much of the nutritional value of applied fertiliser (up to 50%) is lost through immobilisation, volatilisation, and in particular, leaching. This pollution is a contributor to greenhouse gases and can be harmful to water quality and wildlife.”

Of course pest control is used by organic farmers. But again the pest control techniques in organic agriculture don’t harm the environment. Neither do they leave significant chemical residues in the plants, unlike conventional pesticides.

There are two main types of pest groups: Weeds, and organisms such as bacteria, insects and fungi. Weed control by organic techniques is generally achieved through a variety of different tactics that have no adverse effects on the plants, wildlife, or environment.

Wikipedia states:

“Organic weed management promotes weed suppression, rather than weed elimination, by enhancing crop competition and phytotoxic effects on weeds. Organic farmers integrate cultural, biological, mechanical, physical and chemical tactics to manage weeds without synthetic herbicides.”

For the other common type of pests, Wikepedia says:

“Organic farmers use a wide range of Integrated Pest Management practices to prevent pests and diseases. These include, but are not limited to, crop rotation and nutrient management; sanitation to remove pest habitat; provision of habitat for beneficial organisms; selection of pest-resistant crops and animals; crop protection using physical barriers, such as row covers; and crop diversification through companion planting or establishment of polycultures.”

There are a very small number of naturally derived insecticides that organic farmers are allowed to use (Wikipedia lists four). They are generally safer and more environmentally friendly than those synthetic pesticides used by conventional farms. It is estimated that less than 10% of organic farmers use them in any case. There are extremely strict regulations regarding what can be used in organic farms – visit the Soil Association to find out more about regulations and certification.

So in answer to Brian’s first claim, I think it clear to say that most people are aware that fertilisers and pest control is used in organic agriculture. The difference however is that what is used on an organic farm will not harm the environment, the workforce or the actual plants – unlike manufactured fertilisers or pesticides.

Filed under: Organic Farming

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