Does Organic Produce contain Pesticides?

Organic farmers rely heavily on crop rotation, biological plant protection and hygiene practices to protect crops. 

However, “organic” does not mean “pesticide-free.” Rather, it refers to specialized kinds of pesticides that occur in nature and are used instead of synthetic pesticides. And  “natural” does not mean “non-toxic.” Organic pesticides, such as copper, rotenone and spinosad, can be used in organic farming.

Although organic pesticides are tightly regulated for safety, it can be harmful to health in high doses. For example, occupational exposure to the organic pesticide rotenone has been linked with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.  

Here are a few examples of important organic pesticides: 

Rotenone: An insecticide used in combination with other organic pesticides. It is naturally produced as a beetle deterrent by several tropical plants and notoriously toxic to fish.

Copper sulfate: Destroys fungi and some weeds. Although it is classified as a biopesticide, it is industrially produced and can be toxic to humans and the environment at high levels.

Horticultural oils: Refers to oil extracts from various plants with anti-insect effects. These differ in their ingredients and potential side effects. Some can harm beneficial insects like bees.

Bt toxin: Produced by bacteria and effective against several kinds of insects, Bt toxin has been introduced into some types of genetically modified organism (GMO) crops.