Organic board busts ‘no synthetic pesticides’ myth, okays new herbicides and fungicides

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You might think the USDA “organic” label is reserved for foods produced without any man-made chemicals. But under government rules, “organic” food may be grown or processed with the aid of scores of synthetic substances, as long as those chemicals have been deemed essential.

Exactly which chemicals should be allowed?

This week, in a process that is largely invisible to consumers but that has become a semi-annual ritual of controversy within the world of organic politics, a committee called the National Organic Standards Board is selecting those synthetic substances that organic farmers and processors may use.

For a movement largely built around skepticism toward synthetic pesticides and additives, the task of choosing the exceptions can be particularly delicate.

The 15-member board, composed of farmers, processors and other organic experts selected by the USDA, often finds itself balancing the ideal of chemical-free food against the practical requirements of farming.

For while many would prefer to exclude the use of any synthetic chemicals, there are some substances – including herbicides, fungicides, emulsifiers and other additives – that some organic farmers say they cannot do without.

At its meeting this week, for example, the NOSB is weighing the merits of more than 200 substances that at least some farmers say are necessary to produce organic food. Others, including consumer groups, meanwhile urge  the  group to use caution when approving synthetics.

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: Sure, that food has the government’s organic label. But that doesn’t mean it was made without man-made chemicals.

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