| Evidence can be seen as far back as 100 years on | | | | usually builds up a resistant strain of pests which the |
| how gardeners have been taught to control pests | | | | chemical was sprayed to eliminate. This type of |
| and disease using synthetic chemicals the effects of | | | | chemical resistance can be seen and proven in many |
| which were never thought of let alone predicted. In | | | | areas including things like chemicals used to control |
| the 1960's Rachel Carson, in her book "Silent Spring" | | | | infections in humans (anti-biotics) where we often |
| brought to life the realisation that many pesticides | | | | see resistance build up over time. Unfortunately |
| are not selective and have become universal. | | | | regulations governing the use of pesticides are only |
| Persistent "Bioaccumulation" through food chains and | | | | increased after the damage is done. Chemicals like |
| in Air and Soil have brought devastation to Wildlife | | | | this should be banned instead of being released, not |
| and Humankind. A move from stable organochlorine | | | | restricted after "irreversible damage" is done. |
| products like DDT, to organophosphorus substances, | | | | Insecticides are just one of many chemicals used to |
| that break down quicker, has only multiplied the | | | | control pests and disease "after the fact". Fungicides |
| number of substances we are exposed to, and | | | | and Herbicides also thrive a chemical dominant |
| slowed facing up to the key issues. | | | | society. Average figures given in most research do |
| Using a no-selective compound means when | | | | not give a complete picture. |
| predators of particular insect pests are killed by these | | | | At the moment, growers are relying on heavy |
| "non-selective" products, the surviving pest | | | | insecticide applications which provide an |
| populations continue to expand faster than they | | | | unsatisfactory level of control. Synthetic pesticides |
| would if the predators were still alive. Hence, the | | | | are now, as in the past, being used excessively by |
| broadcasting of non-selective or "broad-spectrum" | | | | commercial vegetable growers, and unfortunately due |
| pesticides has always proved to be self-defeating. | | | | to varied pricing and farmers wanting to maximise |
| This behaviour creates imbalances that tend to | | | | their return, withholding periods are not always |
| favour the pests, it also elicits pesticide resistance | | | | observed. |
| that is increased over subsequent generations, to the | | | | It is obvious to suggest what not to buy, and |
| point that strong resistance becomes the norm. This | | | | instead, grow for yourself. A clear message for us |
| practice means a pesticide can become obsolete in | | | | consumers here is to not buy any fruit or vegetable |
| just a few years. | | | | at the beginning or the end of its season. The ONLY |
| Improper disposal techniques for toxic by-products | | | | way to be certain of avoiding the intake of pesticide |
| are only considered "after-the-fact". Waiting until | | | | residues is to grow your own food in total absence |
| after these toxins have contaminated landfill sites, | | | | of pesticides. From an Organic point of view, |
| (whether the contamination was known or not), is | | | | Certifiable standards are available. There are several |
| often worse than known broadcast spraying. | | | | Organic organisations providing guidelines. In Australia |
| Accidental leakage can occur from drums at | | | | these include: |
| temporary storage sites or where storage containers | | | | Biodynamic Agricultural Association of Australia |
| have become damaged. These harmful chemicals | | | | (BDAAA), |
| have moved into water ways, into storm water | | | | Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA), |
| systems and by indirect (leakage) and direct (blatant | | | | Organic Growers of Australia, and NASAA, |
| dumping) into our oceans and rivers. Our Sea food | | | | National Association for Sustainable Agriculture |
| then becomes the target and, by default back to | | | | Australia, |
| humans through consumption. | | | | To some operators, the word "Organic" is just |
| Our fruit and vegetables available at our | | | | another marketing game, but to others, it is a serious |
| supermarkets and fresh food outlets are often | | | | commitment. It is generally considered that most |
| sampled and checked for pesticide residues. Rarely | | | | organic produce is more expensive, But you will be |
| would this kind of test show no or low levels of | | | | certain to save and ensure freshness by growing as |
| organochlorine compounds. | | | | much as you can in your own garden. |
| Constant application of synthetic pesticide chemicals | | | | |