Organic farming follows a procedure of ‘integrated pest management’ whereby the natural ecosystem is carefully maintained and allowed to flourish. At organic farms, insects such as ladybirds and black beetles are introduced as means of controlling parasites.
However, bugs alone don’t prevent crops being destroyed and natural, plant-based pesticides are also used. Examples include rotenone, which is derived from legumes and hot pepper wax, made from cayenne pepper, which is adept at repelling numerous pess while also deterring birds, rabbits and squirrels without causing any harm.
Organic farms have also enlisted the help of science by developing natural oil pesticides. Emulsified vegetable oils such as soybean and canola oil are proven to be effective deterrents against pests.
The organic expert said that “Like most organic farms we used bugs and plant based pesticides, but it’s most important to ensure the soil is fertile and well-balanced by not over farming it. I liken organic farming to merit making, in that we produce good food for consumers while giving back to the environment.”
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