Re: Public education could ease food label confusion, Dec. 9, 2010.
A recent editorial inThe Western Producerunfortunately perpetuated the myth that organic farmers run their businesses without the use of pesticides or fertilizers.
In reality, today’s organic farmers do use an extensive list of non-synthetic pesticides. In fact, some 85 different types of substances such as acetic acid, copper sulfate, dormant oil, pyrethrum, rotenone and boric acid, that have been approved by the federal government, same as the pesticides used by conventional farmers.
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The fact of the matter is all farmers, both organic and conventional, aim to promote the health of soil, water and wildlife. They just do so using different methods and tools.
Genetically modified crops are important in no-till farming that conserves soil quality, moisture and reduces carbon emissions.
Pesticides increase yields by 20 to 50 percent by preventing loss to insects, weeds and disease.
Higher yields mean more food can be produced on less land, protecting forests, wetlands and other natural spaces from cultivation.
When it comes to health and safety, Canada has one of the most modern and stringent regulatory systems in the world.
This means that whether the foods you eat are grown organically or with the aid of either biotechnology or pest control products, it is among the safest food available anywhere on the planet.
Lorne Hepworth,
President, CropLife Canada, Ottawa, Ont.
