Apple production in North America and Europe is largely threatened by two insect pests: rosy apple aphids and codling moths. In conventional apple production, heavy inputs of insecticides are required to control these pests, but organic production cannot rely on the same chemical tools. A study published in the journal Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment found… Read More ›

  An article published in the most recent issue of the Organic Farmer magazine highlights a partnership between The Organic Center and UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and makes a call for more research on food safety risks of using raw manure on organic farms. The National Organic Program prohibits organic farmers from using synthetic fertilizers for nutrient… Read More ›

A study recently published in The BMJ Journal found that prenatal and infant exposure to pesticides consistently correlated with higher risk of autism in children. The strongest correlations were with exposure to chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and avermectin. Researchers analyzed exposure across three developmental stages–three months before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and the first year of child development–and… Read More ›

  A recent study published in the Journal PlosǀOne found that the most effective strategy to terminate cover crops in systems where herbicides are prohibited or reduced is a combination of roller crimping and flaming. Before crops can be planted to follow cover crops, the cover crop has to be terminated and turned back into… Read More ›

Citrus Greening is a devastating disease affecting citrus around the world. It has swept through the United States, wiping out over 60% of the citrus harvest in Florida alone. To date there has been no cure found for this disease, and most of the research on control measures have focused on conventional protocols. However, a… Read More ›