What does it mean to grow without using pesticides?

How should we pay attention to pesticides?

Organic products in a nutshell

Organic food is the name given to food production and processing systems designed to protect and improve the environment. There are also regulations regarding animal welfare. These practices have many benefits and are designed to protect our resources, such as water and land.

But let’s be clear on one thing: organic produce is not pesticide-free. Pesticides are used in organic farming and they come from natural substances rather than synthetic ones, and in either case "the dose makes the poison".

There are theoretical concerns about pesticides, and as a parent, this worries me. I don’t think it should be done because, “these concerns are based on values, not science.”

While natural pesticides do sound healthier, it again comes down to the amount of a specific substance you consume. For example, copper derivatives are used as fungicides in organic farming. It can be toxic if taken in inappropriate amounts. However, in terms of the amounts we consume, neither natural nor synthetic pesticides cause any concern.

Many local small farms follow similar practices by reducing the use of synthetic pesticides, such as using protective insects to help control unwanted or destructive organisms.

In some cases, the real risk is not eating fruits and vegetables.

Grown without pesticides

Pesticide-free growing is an agricultural practice in which crops are grown without the use of synthetic chemical pesticides or pesticide chemicals to control pests and diseases. Farming in this way is called organic farming or pesticide-free farming.

The purpose of growing without pesticides is to protect the environment and human health. Synthetic chemical pesticides may have negative impacts on ecosystems, such as contaminating soil and water sources, harming non-target organisms, and leading to a decrease in biodiversity. In addition, pesticide residues may remain on crops, posing potential risks to human health.

Agricultural methods that do not use pesticides include the use of organic farming techniques, such as rational crop rotation, organic fertilizers, biological control, etc., to enhance crop resistance and ecological balance, thereby reducing dependence on pesticides. Although growing without pesticides may increase the difficulty of crop management and may lead to fluctuations in yields, it is regarded as a sustainable agricultural model and is receiving attention and support from more and more farmers and consumers.

For examples, No synthetic pesticides from flower to plate for tomatoes, from planting to plate for brassicas and Potimarron squash and from leaf stage to plate for shallots.

Taiwan organic agricultural products

Taiwan is a close friend and neighbor of Hong Kong and the source of some of the best quality organic produce in the world. With one of the most stringent organic certification programs in the world, Taiwan's organic products must meet a de facto zero-tolerance policy for agrichemicals, pesticides and other contaminants such as heavy metals.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), for example, allows organic products sold in the United States to contain traces of pesticides as long as they are not applied directly to the product and the volume of pesticide residue is lower than 5% of the maximum residue limits (MRLS) of regular products. However, Taiwan's certification body forbids even such instances of possible neighboring or background contamination during inspection.
This extremely strict approach allows consumers to enjoy complete peace of mind when they purchase and eat produce that has managed to get certified but inevitably places a heavy financial and operational burden on the farmers.
We hope that as you and your family enjoy some of the most fresh, delicious and nutrient dense fruits and vegetables in the world, we can can play a small part in helping these humble farmers thrive and continue their quest for sustainable, organic farming.

Organic produce vs Grown without pesticides

Organic agricultural products and pesticide-free agricultural products are two different concepts. Although they both emphasize pesticide-free cultivation methods, there are some differences in certification standards and production methods.

Organic agricultural products refer to agricultural products that meet organic agriculture standards and certification requirements. Organic agriculture is an integrated management system that not only prohibits the use of synthetic chemical pesticides, but also prohibits the use of synthetic fertilizers, genetic modification (GM) technology, and the use of hormones and antibiotics. Organic agricultural products have been audited and certified by organic certification agencies and can be sold in the market with the "organic" label.

Pesticide-free growing of produce is a broader concept that refers to growing crops without the use of any synthetic chemical pesticides to control pests and diseases. Growing in this way may not necessarily meet other requirements for organic certification, such as restrictions on fertilizers, genetic modification, and antibiotics.

Here are some of the main differences:

Certification standards: Organic agricultural products need to comply with the certification standards and requirements of organic agriculture and be audited and certified by third-party certification agencies. Agricultural products grown without pesticides may not necessarily be certified.
Production methods: Organic agriculture emphasizes comprehensive agricultural management, including the use of organic fertilizers, soil health, biodiversity protection, etc. Pesticide-free growing focuses more on not using synthetic chemical pesticides, but may be less demanding in other ways.
Labeling and market sales: After organic agricultural products are certified, they can use specific "organic" labels and be sold as "organic" products in the market. Produce grown without pesticides may not be certified and therefore may be labeled differently on the market.

Whether it is organic agricultural products or agricultural products grown without pesticides, they all emphasize reducing dependence on synthetic chemical pesticides and protecting the environment and human health. Consumers can choose to purchase organic agricultural products that meet certification standards or choose agricultural products grown without pesticides according to their preferences and needs.

The agricultural model that does not use pesticides has the following key characteristics:

Organic farming certification: Agricultural products grown without the use of pesticides can be certified as organic farming. Organic certification is carried out by certification agencies in various countries or regions. It ensures that agricultural products comply with a series of organic agriculture standards and guidelines, including the prohibition of the use of chemical synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

Biodiversity conservation: Farming without the use of pesticides helps conserve biodiversity. The use of pesticides may cause damage to the living environment of plants and animals, and cause harm to bees, insects and other beneficial organisms. Pesticide-free farmland provides more habitat and food sources, helping to maintain and increase biodiversity.

Soil health: Not using pesticides reduces soil contamination and damage. Some pesticides may remain in the soil and gradually accumulate, negatively affecting soil microorganisms and soil ecosystems. Growing without pesticides helps keep the soil healthy and productive.

Food safety: Produce produced without the use of pesticides is considered safer. Pesticide residues may pose potential risks to human health. By choosing pesticide-free growing methods, consumers can reduce the risk of exposure to pesticide residues and choose healthier and more natural foods.

Environmental protection: Growing without pesticides helps reduce environmental pollution. The use of pesticides may lead to water and soil pollution, affecting ecological balance and sustainable development. Agricultural models that do not use pesticides help protect the quality of water sources, lakes and rivers and reduce negative impacts on ecosystems.

While there are many advantages to growing without pesticides, there are also some challenges. For example, crop management can be more complex and time-consuming, requiring other organic farming techniques to control pests and diseases. In addition, not using pesticides may lead to increased yield variability, requiring more farming and management techniques to improve crop resistance and productivity.

In general, growing without pesticides is a sustainable agricultural model that emphasizes ecological balance, biodiversity protection and food safety. It provides an alternative to chemical pesticides, providing consumers with healthier and more environmentally friendly produce.

Why can some fruits and crops only be labeled as pesticide-free grown instead of organically grown?

Some fruits may only be labeled as grown without pesticides, but not as grown organically, for the following reasons:

Legal and Certification Requirements: Certification standards and requirements for organic produce vary by country and region. Organic certification standards in some countries or regions may have additional requirements for how specific fruits are grown, such as specific organic farming techniques or production practices. If the farm growing these fruits cannot meet these requirements, they may not be certified organic but may still be grown without pesticides.

Pesticide residue limits: Certification requirements for organic produce often include limits on pesticide residues. If certain fruits were exposed to pesticides while growing, they may not be certified organic, even if they meet pesticide residue standards. However, if these fruits are grown without the use of synthetic chemical pesticides, the farmer may choose to label them as grown without pesticides to indicate that they are grown without the use of pesticides.

Conversion Period: Organic certification typically requires a farm to undergo a conversion period before switching to organic farming. During the conversion period, farms are required to adopt organic farming methods but still cannot label products as organic. The length of the conversion period varies between countries and regions, and for some fruits it can be longer, so farms may choose to label them as pesticide-free to indicate they are switching to organic farming.

It is important to note that even if certain fruits are only labeled as grown without pesticides, it does not mean that they necessarily contain pesticide residues or do not meet food safety standards. Pesticide-free farming means that no synthetic chemical pesticides are used during the growing process, but the farm may use other organic farming techniques and methods to control pests and diseases and ensure the quality and safety of the product. When purchasing fruits, consumers can pay attention to the product labels and supplier information to understand the growing methods and quality assurance of the products.

Here are some additional points to consider:

Sustainability: Both organic farming and pesticide-free farming aim to promote sustainable agricultural practices. They prioritize methods that minimize harm to the environment, conserve natural resources, and maintain soil health. These practices can include crop rotation, composting, water conservation, and the use of natural pest control methods.

Certification and Standards: Organic farming has established certification systems and standards that are regulated by various organizations and governmental bodies. These standards typically cover a wide range of aspects, including soil management, pest and disease control, livestock welfare, and processing methods. Pesticide-free farming, on the other hand, may not have a standardized certification system and can vary in its practices.

Synthetic Inputs: Organic farming strictly prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. It relies on natural alternatives such as beneficial insects, crop rotation, and companion planting to control pests and diseases. Pesticide-free farming, while avoiding synthetic pesticides, may still allow the use of certain natural or organic-approved pest control methods.

Market Demand and Availability: Organic products have gained significant popularity in recent years due to increased awareness of health and environmental concerns. As a result, there is a growing market for organic produce, and consumers often seek out products with an organic label. However, the availability and variety of organic options may vary depending on the region and specific crop. Pesticide-free products may be more readily available and accessible in certain areas.

Cost and Pricing: Organic farming generally involves higher production costs due to the stringent requirements and additional labor involved. As a result, organic products often have a higher price point compared to conventionally grown or pesticide-free products. The cost difference is attributed to factors such as organic certification fees, increased labor for manual pest control, and the longer time required for organic practices to establish soil health and fertility.

Consumer Choice: Ultimately, the choice between organic and pesticide-free products depends on individual preferences and priorities. Some consumers prioritize organic certification as a guarantee of specific farming practices, while others prioritize the absence of synthetic pesticides and opt for pesticide-free options. It's essential to review product labels, ask questions, and understand the farming methods employed by producers to make informed choices.

It's worth noting that both organic and pesticide-free farming aim to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and promote healthier and more sustainable agricultural practices. However, the certification and standards associated with organic farming provide a more regulated and comprehensive framework for ensuring specific practices and requirements are met.