Chemical Farming
It is estimated that, world wide, the agricultural chemical industry is producing about 45,000 to 50,000 different pesticides. There are approximately 600 active ingredients in various combinations and concentrations in these pesticides. Pesticides can be divided into the following categories:
- Insecticides - Insecticides are used to kill insects such as weevils, aphids and the insect predators that feed on them. Most insecticides contain phosphorus and chlorinated hydrocarbons and do not easily degrade. Not only that, but they can accumulate in our body.
- Fungicides - Fungicides are used to kill fungi on crops, fruit and stored seeds, and they are usually sprayed directly on to the part of the crop that we eat. Fungicides usually contain metals such as copper or mercury or hydrocarbons.
- Herbicides - Herbicides are used to kill weeds. Some are specific to narrow leaf or broad leaf plants, and some are not discriminating, killing everything they come into contact with. They usually work by blocking the plant's metabolism.
- Rodenticides - Rodenticides are used to kill rodents. Many contain anti-coagulants such as Warfarin, others use metal phosphides such as zinc and aluminum. Strychnine is also commonly used. Needless to say, rodenticides are extremely dangerous to humans.
- Waxing of produce and pesticide residues - Crop produce is regularly waxed to prevent moisture loss. Most commonly used are beeswax and shellac. These are not considered to be harmful but the real concern is when they are mixed with some pesticides or fungicides such as captan or folpet which are highly carcinogenic.
According to Leslie Kenton in her book 'Endless Energy' there is no way to compensate for the structural information missing when the organic matter in the soil is destroyed by chemical farming. Dr Paavo Airola, in 'How to Get Well' says: 'Organically grown fruits and vegetables contain more vitamins and minerals, as has been shown in many tests. They also contain more enzymes than the produce grown on depleted, chemically fertilized soils. Such foods have a greater health-building and disease-preventative potential.'