What’s the Buzz About Pesticides?

There's been much buzz about pesticides and their health risks. Aren't they just chemicals? Some believe these synthetics are dangerous, while others rely on them to produce healthier, more resilient crops. In this blog post, we DIG into the evidence for and against the use of pesticides, discuss how consumers can responsibly buy and consume produce grown with pesticides, and get the dirt on how Farm Xport helps you achieve the safest soil possible. 

Pesticides have been a mainstay in the news for some time. The debates vary from concerns about the potential health effects of these chemicals to whether to use them entirely. Yes. Pesticides are chemicals used to kill pests but are essential for most farmers. They can pose risks to human health and the environment. Some pesticides are toxic to bees and pollinators, impacting food supplies. Should we all be panicking about pesticides? No, not necessarily. But it is essential to be aware of the potential risks. And, if you are concerned about the possible health effects, there are things you can do to avoid them. When used correctly, pesticides are an essential tool for farmers. Some groups argue that these chemicals are safe since they are heavily regulated and that farmers are trained on methods to use them safely. The truth is that governments regulate pesticides to ensure they are safe for human use, but different countries have different pesticide regulations. They include limits for pesticide residues on food, product registration requirements, and pesticide use restrictions. Because of these differences, pesticides in international trade can be subject to pesticide regulations from multiple countries. The numerous and varying regulations can challenge farmers, who may need to comply with rules from various countries. However, it is essential to follow all pesticide regulations to ensure food safety and the environment. It's also necessary to be aware of their risks and take steps to minimise them. 

Agriculture is the primary user of pesticides, accounting for 80% of all pesticide use to protect crops from pests and diseases. Producers regularly rely on pesticides to produce healthy crops and minimise losses from crop damage, which can be extremely harmful if not used properly. There are many different types of pesticides, each having varying effects on someone's health. 

Insecticides. These chemicals specifically kill or repel insects. 

Herbicides. These chemicals kill or repel weeds and other harmful plants. 

Rodenticides. These chemicals kill or repel rodents. 

Bactericides. These chemicals kill or repel various types of harmful bacteria. 

Fungicides. These chemicals kill or repel multiple types of fungi. 

Larvicides. These chemicals kill or repel different types of larvae.

These pests pose a significant threat to crops and the farmer depending on them for their livelihood. 

Farmers in many parts of the world use multiple types of pesticides to protect their crops from various pests and diseases. Farmers can use pest management practices such as crop rotation, crop monitoring, and biological control in conjunction with pesticide use. Consumers should be diligent when buying food grown or produced using pesticides. When someone goes to the grocery store, they may not think about the producers who have raised the food they're buying. But it's important to remember that farmers use pesticides to protect their crops. That's why all consumers need to take steps to protect themselves when buying food produced with pesticides.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• It is crucial to follow the label's instructions and take steps to minimise exposure. 

• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling food treated with pesticides.

• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.

• Avoid eating food treated with pesticides if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have concerns about pesticide exposure, talk to your doctor.

• Shoppers can choose to buy organic produce cultivated without synthetic pesticides. 

• When purchasing produce, one should wash the produce thoroughly. Washing won't remove all pesticides, but it can help reduce the amount. 

With runoff concerns, pesticides can drift off fields and contaminate nearby water sources, polluting the entire body of water, including the fish and other animals in the water. Known as leeching, this presents an obvious danger to anyone with access to the water source. Even more concerning, these chemicals can leech into the groundwater, contaminating the drinking supply. Contamination is a significant problem, as it can lead to serious health problems for people who consume tainted water. Farmers are aware of the chemicals' impacts and cautious about how and where they use them, particularly around water sources. Farmers are vigilant about pesticide use around bodies of water to ensure a safe and reliable source.

What does all of this mean for the future? Well, it's hard to say. But we may see more restrictions on pesticides and their uses in the future. So, what's the verdict? The truth is that there is not enough evidence to decide with 100% certainty whether pesticides are safe or dangerous. More research is needed to understand the long-term effects of these chemicals on human health. In the meantime, it's probably best for farmers to err on the side of caution. Installing agricultural drainage on your farm helps to cleanse the soil. Toxic substances like pesticides, disease-causing organisms, and dangerously high levels of iron and manganese extract through better drainage and improved aeration. Not only will drainage remove these toxins, but removing excess water from the soil creates an optimal environment for beneficial soil microorganisms that aid plant growth by making nitrogen and sulfur more accessible. Fields with drainage installed can better percolate, allowing more air and water to reach the roots. Plants need oxygen at the roots for respiration to convert food created through photosynthesis and better aeration delivers the required oxygen.

Think you need a professional to get all these benefits? When you work with Farm Xport to self-install your farm drainage with a Soil-Max DIY drainage plough, you can easily carry out all necessary calculations without hiring a contractor. Properly placed tile installed with a quality tile plough such as a Soil-Max only costs the producer one time over the product's life (50-100 years). You can't say the same about inputs or machinery that requires repairs and maintenance. Visit https://farmxport.com/contact today to learn more about products and services and schedule a call to discuss the best option for you!