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WHY ORGANIC NUTRITION?
- The Australian Government Analytical
Laboratory has found that organically grown
vegetables (tomatoes, beans, peppers, and beets)
had higher levels of calcium, potassium,
magnesium, and zinc than conventional produce.
Calcium levels were up to 8 times higher,
potassium levels were 10 times higher, magnesium
was 7 times higher and zinc levels were 5 times
higher. July 1999
- University of Copenhagen has found that
organically grown food has higher levels of
nutrients than conventionally grown food.
Specifically higher levels of vitamins, and
secondary metabolites that are thought to lower
the risk of heart disease and cancer.
- In Massachusetts the Kushi Institute has
measured the drop in nutrients in the soil and in
the food grown on that soil using conventional
methods. They found that from 1975 to 1997
calcium levels in 12 fresh vegetables declined
27%; iron levels declined 37%, vitamin A levels
21% and vitamin C levels 30%.
- An Acres, USA study (4,000 samples of corn
from 10 Midwest states) showed that open
pollinated corn contained 75% more protein, 875%
more copper, 345% more iron, 205% more manganese.
The same trend was observed for calcium, sodium,
zinc, and magnesium.
- A study done by spectrographic testing at the
laboratories of Armount's Institute of
Research (Chicago) compared hybrid corn and open
pollinated corn. The hybrid failed to pick up
cobalt (the core of vitamin B-12 is cobalt) and
many other trace minerals.
- "....70% of all deaths in the United
States are caused by diseases linked to the
consumption of our diet." The Impact of
Nutrition on The Health of Americans, The Bard
College Center, Annadale-On-The-Hudson, New York,
The Medicine and Nutrition Project, Report No.1,
The Ford Foundation, July 1981
- Vitamin C content decreases in crops as the
use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers increase.
Soil Scientist, USDA
- Excess synthetic nitrogen (fertilizers) can
also reduce carbohydrate synthesis which results
in lower glucose content which affects taste.
Soil Scientist, USDA
- Four minerals that are considered harmful to
humans- aluminum, cadmium, lead and mercury are
lower in foods grown organically as compared to
those with synthetic chemicals. Doctor's Data
Analytical Laboratories.
- The Co-Op Gardening Group Earth Care
Newsletter (January, 1994) reports that in a
study conducted with Rutgers University, that
compared nutritional values between
conventionally (commercially) grown vegetables
and organically grown vegetables. On average the
conventionally grown (using dangerous synthetic
chemicals) vegetables contained 87% LESS minerals
and trace elements.
- Organically grown wheat, corn, potatoes,
apples and pears were higher in beneficial
minerals and lower in toxic minerals than equal
amounts of the same crops grown conventionally
(with synthetic chemicals). The organic crops
were 63% higher in Calcium, 59% in Iron, 125% in
Potassium, 91% higher in phosphorus, 70% boron,
78% chromium, 73% iodine, magnesium 138%,
molybdenum 68%, zinc 60%. Aluminum was 40% lower
(possible cause in Alzheimer's disease), lead
29% lower, and mercury 25% lower. Analyses were
made over 2 years worth of samples. Journal Of
Applied Nutrition
- "....70% of all deaths in the United
States are caused by diseases linked to the
consumption of our diet." The Impact of
Nutrition on The Health of Americans, The Bard
College Center, Annadale-On-The-Hudson, New York,
The Medicine and Nutrition Project, Report No.1,
The Ford Foundation, July 1981
- "Pico children" or children that
eat soil (10+ g/day) are increasing in numbers
across all socio-economic groups, used to be only
the poor children that were malnourished. Rufus
Chaney, PhD, USDA, BioCcyle, Washington D.C.
1995.
- A new study has found that vegetables grown
in organic media contain more nutrition (calcium
and vitamin c) than the same species grown in
hydroponic media (soilless). HortScience, Vol.
33(2), April 1998.
- The vitamin B12 was found to be twice as high
in soils fertilized with organic fertilizers as
compared to synthetic chemical fertilizers. Both
grasses and corn were found to have at least 1.5
times as much vitamin B12 in the plant. A.
Mozafa, Plant and Soil, vol. 167, p.305-311.
- The USDA in an interview with the Rodale
Research Center (Spring 2000) admits nutrient
levels in conventionally grown food are dropping
and says they do not know why, but it is nothing
to worry about and that the USDA is not going to
do anything about it.
- In the book "Why Grassfed Is Best",
the author Jo Robinson documents why animals that
are raised in fields (free range) versus confined
factory farms are better for our health:
- lower levels of disease causing acid
resistant E. coli bacteria
- fewer pollution problems from massive amounts
of manure at factory farms
- over 50% less fat in beef and 20% in
chickens
- over 33% less cholesterol in eggs
- meat has 2-6 times more heart friendly
essential omega-3 fatty acids and eggs 20
times
- more anti-cancer agents such as the potent
fat called conjugated linoleic acid
- more vitamins (400% vitamin E, 50% more
vitamin A, more beta-carotene, etc.)
- The USDA has recently approved exposing food
to radioactive materials, a process called
irradiation. Exposing food to nuclear radiation
makes in unhealthful: it destroys essential
nutrients and vitamins, creates a host of new
chemicals in the food, some of which like benzene
are potent carcinogens. Nuclear irradiation
facilities also inherently dangerous to employees
and communities. This was done to sterilize food
that contains feces, rodent or insect parts, etc.
Food & Water Journal, Fall/Winter 1997.
- Producers of organic products are more
quality oriented and will use open pollinated
grains rather than modern hybrids. For example,
the benefits of the grain "Spelt" the
ancestor of modern wheat:
- high in water solubility which makes it
easier to digest
- a simpler type of gluten hence can be eaten
by people with gluten intolerance
- full of fiber, B-vitamins, and
carbohydrates
- contains complex carbohydrates called
mucopolysaccharide which boosts blood clotting
and the immune system
- contains 10-25% more protein than modern
wheat
- naturally resistant to insects and disease
hence pesticides are not required
- stores and keeps better than modern
grains
- Researchers have found that grass fed
livestock is better for our health:
- contains lower levels of acid resistant E.
coli bacteria that causes health problems
- sirloin steak contains less fat (1/2 to 1/3
that of grain fed)
- chicken contains 20% less fat than
conventional confined chickens
- The USDA found that eggs from free-range
chickens contained 1/3 less cholesterol
- fewer pollution problems from waste
disposal
- meat from grass fed animals contains 2-6
times more essential omega-3 fatty acids
- free range chicken eggs contain up to 20
times more omega-3 fatty acids than in
conventional
- grass fed animals contains more of the
beneficial fat called conjugated linoleic acid
which is a powerful anti-cancer agent.
- meat from grass fed animals contains more
nutrients and vitamins (4 times the vitamin-E,
50% more vitamin-A, and more beta carotene)
- organically grown meat is free-range and
grass fed.
HEALTH (CHILDREN, ADULTS, BEHAVIOR,
CANCER, DEGENERATIVE DISEASE)
- The USDA (1993) has stated our bodies are so
contaminated with pesticides and other chemicals
that if we lived in a cannibalistic society our
bodies could not be sold as food under current
regulations.
- According to the national health service
before 1940 non mortal poisonings were
practically non-existent. After the birth of
agricultural chemicals there was 1,500 fatal and
60,000 non fatal poisonings in 1952. Before 1952
there was no poison control centers but by 1963
their was 570. By 1962 poisonings had reached
822,000.
- Scientific American put the number of
mentally retarded births at 20,000 per year by
1952. In 1965 President Lyndon B. Johnson cited
the number as 120,000 per year. By 1968 the
statistics of U.S. Pediatricians reported
mentally retarded children had increased to
550,000 per year (15% of all births). Since then
data is hard to come by but it is estimated that
the number has increased to between 1.5 and 2
million per year. Births of mentally retarded
children have increased dramatically since the
introduction of toxic chemicals on a wide
scale.
- The health impact of pesticides is enormous.
According to the World Health Organization for
the year 1990: 3 million "severe,
acute" poisonings: 735,000 chronic defects
caused and 220,000 deaths. This, they add, is
about half of the actual total, because of the
large number of incidents that go unreported.
- The EPA now says that about 70 pesticides now
in use are "probable" or
"possible" cancer causers.
- Studies now suggest that even low level
exposure to pesticides for several years can
cause cancer. Example- Women with the higher
levels of DDT in their breast tissues are 4 times
more likely to have breast cancer (Mount Sinai
School of Medicine in New York).
- The National Academy of Science has said
"exposures to pesticides early in life can
lead to a greater risk of... cancer,
neurodevelopment impairment, and immune
dysfunction". This means our children are in
far greater danger.
- Tap water from most public water systems
contains chlorine. Chlorine can stunt or kill
needed bacteria living in the soil. Chlorine will
stunt or kill many plant species. Other effects
on plants will cause leaves to turn yellow on
some species. Fluorine (Fluoride) is another
chemical frequently added to water systems that
has been found extremely dangerous. The EPA has
recently re-classified the toxicity of fluorine
to be between lead and arsenic in danger and
risk. Even very low concentrations (1 part per
million) will stunt, weaken the immune system, or
kill many plant species.
- The fungicide benomyl marketed under the name
Benlate is widely used on vegetables (such as
carrots and cucumbers), fruits (such as
strawberries) and many ornamentals. It causes
tumors, birth defects, and reduced sperm counts
in laboratory animals. Regulating Pesticides in
Food, National Academy of Science, Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
- Studies (4) have shown that many common
pesticides used on food crops break down into
estrogen as a by product and exposed women have
at least a 4 times greater chance of getting
breast cancer. Other studies have shown this same
exposure will cause male sterility in animals.
10/21/93 ----Health problems like cancer, the
ability to have children, etc. continue to
increase. Farmers continue to increase their use
of pesticides...I wonder how strong this parallel
is coincidence or cause and effect?
- A medical school study shows that children in
families that use a lot of pesticides are nearly
seven times as likely to develop leukemia.
.....The EPA estimates that 300,000 hired farm
workers and their children suffer acute illness
and injuries from exposure to pesticides each
year. Farm Workers Still Unprotected, New York
Times 2/25/92.
- According to the National Research Council, 6
of the top 7 and 9 of the top 15, foods with
oncogenic (cancer causing) risk are produce items
with high nitrate content from pesticides or
nitrogen fertilizers. A 12 year study comparing
organically grown versus chemically grown showed
that chemically grown foods had 16 times more
nitrate (i.e. oncogenic or cancer causing).
- Tumor prevention - synthetic chemicals are
only tested as a direct agent not in combination
with other chemicals or agents. Many common
gardening chemicals are many times more
carcinogenic if a person has been exposed to some
other agent first such as ultra violet light or a
common x-ray. The EPA (much less the chemical
companies) does not check for synergistic
effects.
- In 1993, at least 150 million pounds of
pesticides whose use is prohibited in the U.S.A.
were exported from this country for use
elsewhere! These include pesticides that have
been banned as well as those which were never
allowed on the market in the U.S.A. because of
their hazards for human or environmental health.
Many of these chemicals come back on and in the
fruits and vegetables we import as food.
- Male fertility has decreased dramatically
over the last 50 years while abnormalities of the
male reproductive system have increased.
Researchers believe this is due to endocrine
disrupters or environmental hormones of which
some are pesticides such as DDT and other
organoclorides. A recent study of Danish organic
farmers did not have these problems, in fact they
had sperm densities about double men that did not
eat organically grown food. The study funded by
the Danish government's Pesticide Research
Program and reported in Lancet (June 11, 1994),
has found higher sperm counts in members of the
Danish Organic Farmers Association than other
tested blue-collar workers. The members had a
significantly higher sperm density that all three
reference groups.
- A USDA study (April 94) tested 6,000 produce
items (12 kinds of produce) and pesticide
residues (49 different pesticides) were found on
61% of the samples. All items were prepared for
human consumption (washed, peeled or cored)
before being tested.
- The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit
research group, has found peeled apples that
contain 8 different pesticides. A dozen different
peeled fruits and vegetables were found to
contain 13 different carcinogenic pesticides, 17
different pesticides that damage the nervous
system, and 11 hormone-disrupting pesticides.
Acres, U.S.A., October 94.
- ALL of the dozen or so commonly recommended
lawn pesticides are suspected of causing serious
long term health problems. Captan and Benomyl are
carcinogens and mutagens. Many people have severe
allergic reactions to Captan often requiring
hospitalization. Dursban has caused chronic
kidney damage in laboratory tests and 2,4D has
been linked to lymphatic cancer. Many homeowners
report problems with common lawn chemicals
causing excruciating headaches, nausea, extreme
fatigue, and other debilitating illnesses.
Garbage Magazine, July/August 1990.
- A medical school study shows that children in
families that use a lot of pesticides are nearly
seven times as likely to develop leukemia.
.....The EPA estimates that 300,000 hired farm
workers and their children suffer acute illness
and injuries from exposure to pesticides each
year. Farm Workers Still Unprotected, New York
Times 2/25/92.
- Studies (4) have shown that many common
pesticides used on food crops break down into
estrogen as a by product and exposed women have
at least a 4 times greater chance of getting
breast cancer. Other studies have shown this same
exposure will cause male sterility in animals.
10/21/93 ----Health problems like cancer, the
ability to have children, etc. continue to
increase. Farmers continue to increase their use
of pesticides...I wonder how strong this parallel
is coincidence or cause and effect?
- A recent research study suggests that
children under 14 have four times the normal risk
of contracting cancer (soft tissue sarcoma) if
their gardens have been treated with pesticides
or herbicides. North Carolina Center for Health
and Environmental Statistics, New Scientist.
- A study reported in the "American
Journal of Public Health" has found that
children whose yards were treated with herbicides
(weed & feed) and insecticides had four times
the risk of certain cancers. Houston Chronicle,
February 27, 1995.
- A report from France published in the New
England Journal of Health, has found that average
sperm count of Parisian men has decline by 33%
during the last 20 years. The vitality or quality
of the sperm was also found to have declined.
This study confirms the result of other European
studies. Houston Chronicle, 2-2-95.
- Studies have shown that nitrate from
synthetic chemical fertilizers put babies at risk
by causing the "blue-baby syndrome".
Other studies correlate gastric cancer with
nitrate ingestion. Animals are at risk also, high
abortion rates and lower milk productivity have
been found in dairy herds and are attributed to
nitrate concentrations. USEPA, "Groundwater
Pollution Prevention Regulations From the State
and Local Perspective"
- A study has found that "the persistent,
disabling symptoms reported by...multiple
chemical sensitivity groups are strikingly
similar to those reported among individuals
exposed occupationally to pesticides and
solvents." Archives of Environmental Health
50(2):119-1298(March/April) 1995).
- One million Americans get sick and 900 die
each year from drinking contaminated water. A
1997 EPA study concluded that the federal agency
will need to spend over $138 billion on
infrastructure over the next 20 years to ensure
safe supplies of drinking water. This figure was
derived without considering the potential savings
from protecting water at its source (i.e.
watershed protection rather than expensive water
purification plants). Mother Earth News, January
1998.
- Many herbicides are claimed and sold as
environmentally safe. For example assorted
studies on "Roundup", a popular
herbicide containing glyphosate, has found the
following:-it is toxic to earthworms, fish, many
species of beneficial insects; soybeans and
clover planted in fields previously treated, have
reduced ability to fix nitrogen; reduces the
growth of beneficial soil dwelling mycorrhizal
fungi; glyphosate makes bean plants more
susceptible to disease; sperm production in
rabbits was reduced 50% after exposure;
Roundup's active ingredient is the 3rd most
commonly reported cause of pesticide illness
among agricultural workers; Roundup's active
ingredient is the most commonly reported cause of
pesticide illness in landscape workers; it has
been found in lettuce, carrots and barley, even
though it was applied in a previous year.
- A recent study by doctors in Chile, where
pesticides are heavily sprayed on fruit orchards,
has found a high rate of toxic poisoning and
infants born with serious birth defects. This
fruit ends up in United States markets.
Interpress Service 4/1/97.
- A common childhood malignancy, called
Wilm's Tumor, has been linked to the parents
being exposed to pesticides. American Journal of
Epidemiology 141(3)(1995):210-217
- Researchers at the University of Florida and
Tulane University have found that endosulfan,
toxaphene, dieldrin and chlordane when tested by
themselves had a weak estrogenic response.
However, when combine the response increased
dramatically. For example when endosulfan and
dieldrin were combined the estrogenic potency
increased up to 1,600 times over the individual
chemicals! Reported in Journal Science, National
Wildlife Oct./Nov. 1996.
- EPA and USDA reports show that by the time
the average child is one year old, the infant
will have received the acceptable lifetime dose
of eight pesticides from just 20 commonly eaten
foods.
- Levels of the pesticide DDT are 35% higher in
women with breast cancer (Mount Sinai School of
Medicine and New York University)
- The Environmental Working Group (non profit
research institute) reports that children may
receive 35% of their lifetime dose of
carcinogenic pesticides by the age of 5.
- Life threatening bacteria (such as Shigella,
Salmonella, Lusteria, and Escherchia coli) that
cause food poisoning, actually thrive on 1/3 of
the pesticides tested. New Scientist Journal, No.
2259, 10/07/00, pg. 20.
ENVIRONMENTAL
- Synthetic chemicals do not work: 1) Since the
1940's, crop loss inflicted by insects pests
have nearly doubled from 7% to 13% despite a
ten-fold increase in insecticide use. 2)
Twenty-five to 50% of the air sprayed pesticide
doesn't hit the field and 98% doesn't
even target the pest. Most of what is applied
enters the environment, contaminating the soil,
water, and air, not to mention poisoning or
adversely affecting non-target organisms
including animals and humans.
- At one time the United States had 1,517
million acres of farm and grazing ground. The
Same estimate says 282 million acres became
unusable by the end of WWII and that
non-ecological farming will ruin another 775
million acres. Acres, USA October 1993.
- "Chemical fertilizers are combined with
salts that aid their solubility (in water). These
salts, however, often damage the soil. Because of
this plants can only absorb about 20-30% of the
fertilizer applied. This means excessive amounts
of chemical fertilizers are required to provide
plants with the 20-30% they will use. Because
excessive amounts are used, chemical fertilizers
remain in the soil, resulting in chemical runoff
and the pollution of streams, lakes and even
wells." Acres USA, June 1993.
- A study by Mills McCarthy Associates (an
environmental firm) found that over a seven-year
average lifetime, gas powered mowers spew 28
pounds of hydrocarbons and nitric oxides
(contributors of smog), 300 pounds of carbon
monoxide, and 1,400 pounds of carbon dioxide. Use
a push mower or use less grass area (less mowing)
to help reduce pollution.
- Earthworms and other beneficial organisms are
destroyed by synthetic chemical fertilizers and
fungicides, pesticides, etc. (Reviews of
Environmental Contamination and Toxicology,
1992). In the absence of earthworms, the soil
becomes lifeless, sterile, and nutrient deficient
or even worse an incubator for pathogens and
disease.
- We have been forced to pass laws prohibiting
fishing of our rivers and lakes due to excessive
nitrates, and yet the local lawn & garden
guru is on the radio or TV telling us it is time
to apply our synthetic fertilizer and
pre-emergent herbicide.
- When using synthetic fertilizers at least 35%
of the chemical nitrogen, 15-20% of the
phosphorus and potassium applied to land is lost
because they are applied in amounts greater than
can be immediately assimilated by plants or soil.
Composting, Rodale Press, 1992.
- A recent study of nurseries in 6 states found
that 81% of the Nitrogen applied in irrigation
water was not used by the plants. It also found
that up to 29% of the Nitrogen released from
Osmocote was leached out of potting soils within
just 11 weeks. "Container Nursery Nitrogen
Runoff: A Six State Summary", International
Plant Propagators Society, 1992.
- Many beautiful and beneficial insects are
being destroyed. Pesticides targeting other
harmful (undesired) insects, like mosquitoes or
the Gypsy moth, also have been responsible for
reduced butterfly numbers. Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department, Nongame and Urban
Program.
- We do not and can not test for all the
combinations of toxic synthetic chemicals and how
they affect the environment. Example: The
herbicide Dicamba is characterized as
"slightly toxic" or "practically
nontoxic" to fish. It has been found that
this is widely variable. If Dicamba is absorbed
by vermiculite (a common ingredient in potting
soils) its toxicity increased by 30 times. No
effects were observed on yearling coho salmon at
100 ppm. However, it has now been found that
doses as small as 0.25 ppm can kill coho salmon
as they migrate from seawater to fresh water for
spawning.
- "Dead Zone Spreading" - A lifeless
area devoid of oxygen covering more than 7,000
square miles (the size of New Jersey) developed
in the Gulf of Mexico in the summer of 1995, the
largest ever. Scientists at Cornell University
conclude that the dead zone is the end result of
an ecological chain reaction set in motion by
fertilizers, sewage, and runoff ending up in the
Mississippi river. The excess chemicals in the
run-off stimulate the rapid growth of algae and
phytoplankton. When these die they decompose
depleting the water of oxygen. As a result,
shellfish, shrimp, and fish that cannot escape
soon suffocate and die. The implications of the
dead zone exceed those caused by the ozone hole
in the atmosphere. The New Garden Journal,
January/February 1996.
- A study published by the American Chemical
Society, concerning the death of hundreds of
moose in southwest Sweden said that acid rain is
changing the micronutrient composition of plants
that moose graze. In addition moose graze fields
that have been limed by farmers further messing
up their nutrition. New York Times, 12 March
1996.
- A series of investigative reports
(copyrighted) by the Seattle Times Newspaper has
found that many companies that manufacture
synthetic fertilizer add hazardous waste and
radioactive waste to their fertilizers. These
extremely dangerous wastes then end up in our
food supply or in our yards for our children to
play in. July-August 1997, Seattle Times
Newspaper.
- Scientists have warned us about the dangers
of synthetic chemicals. Dr. Jerome Wiesner has
stated that using agricultural chemicals is more
dangerous than atomic fallout from a nuclear war.
Rachel Carson warned us of many dangers in her
famous book "Silent Spring".
- An article in American Nurseryman reported
that pesticide usage reached an all time high in
1995. According to the Natural Resources Defense
Council and the U.S. Public Interest Research
Group chemical usage was 1.25 Billion pounds of
pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides.
- Between 1982-1987 there was over 230,000
imported pest insects found by the USDA that have
entered the United States hence record keeping
was discontinued. However, the natural biological
controls that kept these pests in check have not
entered or have not been allowed to enter the
United States by the USDA. Mike Rose, PhD, Texas
A&M University Bio-Control Laboratory.
- Insects such as aphids decide which plants to
munch on by the odors they produce. USDA
Scientist, Greenhouse Manager, June 1994. It is
well known that plants over stimulated by
synthetic fertilizers produce more odors (i.e.
attract more pests).
- Traditionalists (synthetic chemicals
supporters) fight nature (paddle upstream) while
the organic philosophy works with nature.
- "Here in America, agricultural chemicals
are the single biggest cause of surface water
pollution. Most of the nations underground water
supplies are also contaminated by insecticides,
herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. And,
unfortunately, the filtration systems that treat
public drinking water can't get all the
chemicals out. In Ohio and Iowa 82% of treated
public drinking water contained residues of two
or more pesticides."
- A report in the scientific journal BioScience
says that a mere 1% of the chemical insecticides
applied to plants ever reaches its ultimate
destination...the plant insects. The other 99%
pollute and poison the air, soil, water table,
good insects, animals and man.
- Many synthetic fertilizers now contain
hazardous waste like lead, cadmium, mercury and
arsenic. When these toxic fertilizers are applied
to crops they are absorbed into the plant and
when we eat the food produced they enter our
bodies. Studies have shown that 80% of the
potatoes used in French fries contain dangerous
metals and is one of the causes of ADD of our
children.
ECONOMICS AND COSTS (HIDDEN AND REAL)
- The Agriculture Research Center of Finland
and Biodynamic Research Center of Switzerland
recently published the results of a 32 year study
comparing conventionally grown food (using
dangerous synthetic chemicals) to an organic
approach. American Journal of Alternative
Agriculture, Volume 12, Number 2, 1997.
They found the following results:
- yields in the organic or biodynamic approach
increased 65% compared to only 50% for the
synthetic chemicals
- protein quality was higher in wheat and
potatoes (the conventional had higher total
amino acid and protein content but was not
suitable for animals or man)
- for potatoes the storage quality and
resistance against deterioration was higher in
the organic treatments
- the starch quality was higher for wheat in
the organic approach
- The United States subsidizes its chemical
based agriculture by nearly $23 Billion each year
to keep it functioning and hide the true
costs.
- "Plants grown with ammonia- based
synthetic fertilizers actually attract pest
insects." Earth Kind Gardening, 1993.
- Pesticides do not work well anymore. Over 500
insects and other pests have developed resistance
to pesticides (Earth Kind Gardening, 1993). By
another count 900 species of insects are now
resistant to commonly applied pesticides (Country
Life, May/June 1994).
- Synthetic nitrogen (fertilizers) has been
found to reduce insect and disease resistance of
plants. Soil Scientist, USDA and Ohio State
University 2003.
- Studies in England, over a 34 year time
period, have found that cows grazed on
organically grown field produced significantly
more milk, used 10-15% less supplemental feed,
and had a better breeding record.
- The 1993 National Corn growing championship
was recently won by a "Organic Farmer",
Gary Cross of Logan County, Illinois, beating out
synthetic chemical based farmers (598 finalists)
from 7 different states. He produced 249.5
bushels/acre nearly twice the nationwide average.
Organic Gardening, July/August 1994, and
Associated Press.
- If synthetic chemical insecticides and sprays
are used to kill off all insects...you have
created a problem. Pest insects reproduce faster
than beneficial insects, hence pests will return
with no natural controls to stop the damage. This
means more chemicals are required and the circle
continues with the only beneficiaries being the
vendor and manufacturer of these chemicals.
- Plants grown organically have much greater
resistance to freeze damage than plants
fertilized with synthetic chemicals. Examples
range from grape growers in Missouri in 1989-90
season with -21EF temperatures where 80% loss was
common for grapes grown with synthetic chemicals
while organic growers had normal and full yields.
The same arctic front killed the Mango and
Passion fruit plants in Southern Florida except
for the organic grown plants which survived
without problems. Acres, USA, May 1994.
- Steve Rioch, administrator of Ohio
University's farm reports that yield
increased seven-fold just 5 years after
converting this former piece of farmland to
organic raised bed techniques. Organic Gardening,
February, 1994.
- In 1991 Texas had 500 acres of organically
grown cotton, in 1993 there was 15,000 acres of
organic cotton. Organically grown cotton is far
superior in quality to conventionally grown hence
commanding a premium price in the market.
Preliminary reports indicate that there was over
42,000 acres of organically grown cotton in
1994.
- The International Rice Research Institute
(IRRI) recently announced that farmers worldwide
spend $2.4 billion to protect rice, more than any
other crop. IRRI says that it is a poor
investment as the cost of spraying far exceeds
the benefits. IRRI has found that natural pest
control consistently has the highest net benefits
for farmers. Science News.
- Organic Techniques are cheaper: if you
compare a bag of synthetic chemical fertilizer to
an organic fertilizer the synthetic appears
cheaper
- synthetic will loose 40-60% of nutrition to
runoff
- synthetic will add salts that poison the soil
and disrupt pH
- synthetic have to be applied 4-5 times per
year (vs. 2 times that will eventually go to
one time, extra labor)
- synthetic encourages forced growth of plants
that attract insects and diseases which require
increased costs for additional synthetic
chemicals and labor, increased risks
- organics require less water (often 50%)
less,
- organics produce more flower and fruits
- organics promote healthier plants...less loss
to insects disease, or hot or cold extremes of
climate
ALL the result of healthier soil.
- A recent study with wheat has found that the
highest yields were from soils containing the
highest organic matter content. Soil Science
Society of America, Vol. 58, Jan.-Feb. 1994.
- Iowa State University has released the
results of a 11 year study that showed Iowa
farmers have been wasting $200 million per year
on N, P, and K fertilizers that they did not
need.
- The USDA's Agricultural research center
in Beltsville, Md. reports that tomatoes grown
organically are producing yields equal or better
than those grown with chemicals. The report also
says that these tomatoes are producing profits of
$7,365 per acre compared to conventionally grown
(plastic mulch and chemicals) of $4,128 per acre.
Organic Gardening, Dec. 1994.
- The USDA's Agricultural research center
in Beltsville, Md. reports that using vetch and
winter wheat to suppress weeds is working as well
as herbicides (which cost more and does not
improve the soil). Organic Gardening, Dec.
1994.
- Use of synthetic fertilizers encourages
growth of "scale" populations. Scale
populations increase rapidly when quick release
forms of synthetic chemical nitrogen are used.
This does not occur if slow release organic forms
are used.
- In 1980 the USDA reported in "Returns To
Corn Pest Management Practices" found that
herbicide use was not economical. For every $1.00
spent on herbicides the farmer will receive a
return of $1.05. Environmental damage, soil
damage, health risks, etc. was not included in
this report.
- Each year, American farms dump more than 40
billion (40,000,000,000!) lbs. of fertilizer on
farm fields and 500 million (500,000,000!) pounds
of pesticides. Much of which ends up in the food
we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we
drink. The federal government spends more than $2
billion each year in its loosing effort to
control pesticide pollution and agricultural
runoff. The federal government pays farmers
(through grants, incentives, and tax breaks) to
apply these dangerous chemicals then pays to try
and clean them up, all with taxpayer (your)
money. This type of activity makes the military
and its wasteful activities look frugal by
comparison.
- In 1996 cotton growers in the Rio Grand
valley have voted kill the "boll weevil
eradication program" (i.e. blanket large
areas of the country with pesticides (malathion)
to control boll weevils) and growers in other
states are requesting referendums for the same.
The result of the spraying in the Rio Grand
Valley was a decrease in yields from 307,943
bales without spraying to just 54,101 with
spraying. Farmers across the south had similar
experiences. For example, one farmer Mississippi
in their eradication zone on 700 acres averaged
280 lbs/acre and spent $128/acre on pesticides on
his 700 acres outside the zone he averaged 510
lbs/acre of cotton and only spent $81/acre for
insect control. Texas Organic News, Summer
1996.
- Studies have shown that each inch of soil
loss due to erosion in the U.S. corn belt reduces
crops by 6%. United National Environmental
Programme reported at 1994 National Poultry Waste
Management Symposium.
- Three billion tons of topsoil is lost on
American farms each year--also the direct result
of the use of agricultural chemicals."
Organic Gardening, December 1992.
- Studies conducted in England since the
1940's and known as the Haughley Experiments
have shown that hens given organically grown
grain: began laying at an earlier age (166 days
vs. 181 days); the hens produced more eggs over 9
months (192 per hen vs. 150 per hen); and the
eggs had a better keeping quality (27% spoilage
vs. 60% spoilage after 6 months at room
temperature).
- South Texas cotton farmers will incur losses
of over $210 million in 1995 because their over
spraying of pesticides has killed off the
beneficial insects. Houston Chronicle
9/28/95.
- Organics or Environmentalism creates jobs,
the conclusion of 2 new studies by the National
Commission for Employment Policy an Independent
Federal Agency. Between 1994 and 1998 the
environmental industry will generate 184,000 jobs
directly with indirect job creation creating even
more, for a 3.9% annual job creation growth rate,
more than double the economy average.
Environmental jobs now employee more than 1
million people. American Nurseryman, June 15,
1995! An organic rice farm obtains 85% the yields
of its chemical neighbors, has a lot lower
production costs (over $100/acre), and gets 200%
or more of the price of its conventional
neighbors. "A Farming Revolution",
National Geographic, December 1995,.
- Research at the USDA in Beltsville, Maryland
[HortScience 32(4):659-663 1997] have done
studies comparing hairy vetch (Vicia villosa, a
winter hardy legume) and plastic. The vetch plots
had a longer season and produced up to twice as
many tomatoes. Vetch is less expensive, more
environmentally friendly, and enriches the soil
by adding organic matter and nitrogen. Other
crops that had a strong positive response to
vetch mulch were melons, snap beans, peppers, and
eggplants. These studies suggest that other
mechanisms were responsible other than nutrients:
1) improvement of soil physical properties by an
organic mulch, 2) reduction of foliar diseases
that can affect nutrient uptake, 3) a lower
proportion of reflected far-red radiation that
can influence the development of vegetative and
reproductive growth.
- Researchers have found that natural organic
fertilizers can supply all the nutrients that
hybrid bermuda grasses need (like the kind used
on Golf greens) [HortTechnology July-September
1997]. This is without all the dangerous
environmental side effects of synthetic chemical
fertilizers.
- According to an analysis by the Environmental
Working Group (EWG), between 1996 and 1998, the
USDA subsidized conventional polluting
agriculture for $23 BILLION worth of taxpayers
dollars! Over 61% went to the largest 10% of
corporate factory farms.
- The United States suffers a topsoil loss
every year worth an annual value of $27 Billion!
Harold Willis, PhD, Acres, USA, 3/97.
- A recent conference/study (November 2000) in
Canada on pollution and environmental issues
found the following:
- 1 in 8 Canadians suffer significant symptoms
(increased absenteeism, measurable impaired
abilities to do work, etc.) due to normally
safe/legal exposures to common chemicals found
in homes and at work
- the cost was over $10 billion a year in lost
productivity
- over $ 1 Billion eroded from the tax base
- over $ 1 Billion each year in additional
health care costs
- over $ 1 Billion each year in avoidable
disability payments, etc.
- In the year 2001, the USDA will hand out $30
billion dollars in taxpayers money to support
conventional (uses dangerous chemicals)
agriculture but less than $10 million to support
organic agriculture. Of the 30 billion, $17
billion goes to corporate farms as handouts, not
to the small farmer whom needs it most. Acres,
USA February 2001.
- Organic food sales have soared from $174
million in 1980 to $1.25 billion in 1991 to
over $15 billion in 1998.
DANGEROUS CHEMICALS DO NOT WORK
- Insecticide and pesticide use has increased
tenfold in the last forty years, however the loss
due to insects nearly doubled in that same time!
Synthetic chemicals are not the answer and will
not work successfully in the long term.
- Natural biological controls work. In
California, after repeated failures with chemical
controls, a grant was issued to the Bio-Control
Laboratory for $500,000 to develop natural
controls for a species of imported white fly.
Within a short period of time natural controls
were identified, brought to the United States,
propagated and released into the problem area.
The pest was quickly controlled. It was estimated
that it saved growers in just 1 county over $19
million in pesticides. Mike Rose, PhD, Texas
A&M University Bio-Control Laboratory.
- Mycorrhizae fungi live in a symbiotic
relationship with plant roots. Some plants can
not survive without these root-fungus
associations. Benefits include increased water
and nutrient absorption, reduces transplant
shock, and controls certain root diseases.
Growlines, Sept./Oct. 1995.
Note: Unfortunately most plant propagation
programs (rooting mixes, fumigated (sterile)
soils, synthetic chemical fertilizers, and
treated water (chlorine and fluorine)
discourage their development. And you thought
you didn't have a green thumb.
- Researchers have found that tomato plants
grown with a living mulch without chemicals
(plants- hairy vetch and crimson clover, and rye)
yielded more than those from other treatments
such as black plastic. These techniques worked
well in hot humid summer climates. HortScience,
Vol. 31(1), February 1996.
- A Danish study has shown that herbicide
resistant rape in two generations has passed on
its resistance to its weedy brassica cousin.
About 42% of the second generation brassica weed
seedlings had inherited the resistant gene. New
York Times, 7 March 1996.
- The University of California at Berkeley has
found that broccoli and other vegetables
fertilized with organic fertilizers attracted
less pests than those with chemical fertilizers.
Additionally, the organic fertilized plots out
yielded the commercial plots!
- After decades of spraying with expensive
dangerous chemicals the cassava mealybug remained
a major pest in Africa. This pest had threatened
total destruction of the cassava plant, one of
Africa's major food crops. In 1995 the World
Food Prize was given to Dr. Hans R. Herran an
entomologist who learned how to bread and
distribute a tiny wasp that was the natural
predator of the mealy bug. Within 5 months of the
wasps release, they had spread 120 miles from the
release point and reduced mealybug populations
below damaging levels. At the end of seven years
mealy bug damage was eliminated in 30 African
countries! Alternative Agriculture News, November
1995.
- For years we have read about the damage the
imported "Gypsy Moth" was causing to
forests in the Northeast and mid-continent.
Massive chemical spray programs were used for
over 20 years with defoliation damage increasing
to nearly 1.4 million acres of forest in 1995.
Then a natural fungus (biological control) was
released in many states with damage rapidly
dropping to only a total of 200,000 acres in 1996
with some state not recording any damage.
American Nurseryman, May 1, 1997.
- Researchers at Ohio State University have
repeatedly shown that the European Corn Borer
moths lay 18 times more eggs on sweet corn plants
grown in chemically farmed soils that corn grown
on organically managed soils. Plants growing in
organic soils can absorb exactly the minerals
they need for photosynthesis and more quickly
convert simple sugars and amino acids into
complex starches and proteins needed to grow
leaves flowers and seeds. Soils managed with
synthetic chemicals lacked this needed balance.
Journal of Environmental Entomology, vol. 25,
1996.
- Experiments with Gleditsia tricanthos inermis
("Honey Locust") have found that the
destructive necteria cankers are greatly
increased when grown on bare ground or where
herbicides had been applied. Avant Gardener,
8/97.
- In the last 10 years, the number of weed
species known to have become resistant to
herbicides has increased from 64 to 270 species
and the number of plant diseases resistant to
fungicides has gone up 50%. Pest Management at
The Crossroads, The American Gardener,
March/April 1997.
- Independent researchers say it (Benlate) must
somehow turn poisonous...through a complex series
of reactions...that involve the breakdown
products of benomyl or inert ingredients used...
Farmers Worried as Chemical turns Foe, New York
Times 1/24/93.
- The USDA-ARS research laboratory in Georgia
has found that when pecan trees are given
"optimal" amounts of nitrogen
fertilizer and irrigation according to
conventional wisdom, they actually had more
foliar damage from pecan aphid and mites (and
subsequent reduction of yields) compared to trees
that received minimal cultural inputs!
- In the past 50 years, more than 500 insect
pests, 230 crop diseases , and 220 weed species
have become resistant to pesticides and other
chemicals. Organic Gardening Sept./Oct. 2000
POLITICS, REGULATIONS AND EDUCATION
- Why does the public not hear more about the
dangers of synthetic chemicals? "The
suppliers of agricultural chemicals have a $35
billion to $50 billion a year business to
protect." Organic Gardening, December
1992.
- The entire concept of natural or organic
gardening philosophy would signal the beginning
of the end of the highly profitable synthetic
chemical industry. An industry that is deeply
entrenched in established economics.
- "The question of research (grants) is
more clear, in spite of a rather impressive list
of clinical studies published on
organics...organics does not get studied. While
chemicals are studied by the thousands, both by
government and the chemical industry whom wishes
to sale the chemicals. It also means, thanks to
the stonewalling role of media (another corporate
establishment) that you (or your garden center
horticulturalist) don't even know that such
orthodox studies are conducted and reported
on".
- "After years of study and lots of money
all I learned was to keep disease at an
acceptable level". PhD Horticulturalist,
Soil Scientist, USDA
- Its cheaper to farm organically than with
synthetic chemicals. Organic farmers do not put
pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other
extremely toxic chemicals into our air and water
(rivers, lakes, and aquifers). Organic farmers do
not destroy topsoil or other living creatures.
They do not use toxins. Yet, Organic farmers are
punished when they go to the market place because
they have to compete with producers who don't
take care of their land or water or crops. So
they have a price disadvantage. Also, organic
farmers must prove that did not pollute or
chemically contaminate their produce. Farmers
using synthetic cancer causing chemicals can sell
what ever contaminated food they want to the
public. If farmers who are destroying the soils,
polluting the air and water, and destroying our
health would take full responsibility for their
actions, then foods grown with synthetic
chemicals would cost dozens if not hundreds of
times more.
- The entire concept of natural or organic
gardening philosophy would signal the beginning
of the end of the highly profitable synthetic
chemical industry. An industry that is deeply
entrenched in established economics.
- Most people in the green industry are
hardworking honest people with the best of
intentions for the customer...however, the
chemical industry has taught us to treat the
symptoms rather than the problems (this practice
ensures lots of repeat business - since problems
keep reoccurring).
Date: September 6, 2003
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