A new study published in Environmental Geochemistry and Health has found that waterbirds from Central China are contaminated with pesticides. Researchers tested for twenty-one organochlorine pesticides in the muscles of six common waterbird species. DDTs, which are now banned, were the most prevalent pesticide found, suggesting that residues from historical use were the source of contamination. The… Read More ›

A recent study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production used U.S. state level data collected from 1997 – 2010 to better understand how organic farming affects greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers found that a one percent increase in organic acreage in the U.S. could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by .049%. “The current study provides evidence… Read More ›

Data from numerous studies demonstrate that on average, organic farms produce less crop per acre than conventional farms – known as the yield gap. Now, a new study published in the scientific journal Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment has found that with time, the difference in yield between organic and conventional systems may decrease. Researchers in… Read More ›

  A new study has linked prenatal exposure to organophosphate pesticides (some of the most widely used insecticides in the United States) with symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder in the CHAMACOS study. Exposure to organophosphate pesticides was determined from urine samples taken from the mothers during pregnancy. Researchers also noted the distance mothers lived… Read More ›

A recent study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production used a life-cycle assessment to determine the environmental impact of organic rice production in China at 5, 10, and 15 years after conversion. Researchers assessed environmental factors including the amount of non-renewable energy used, the amount of water used, the amount of land needed, global… Read More ›