Over the centuries, in all cultures, many different breeding and cultivation systems have been developed. In modern times, in response to the rapidly growing demand for agricultural products, the conventional farming system was introduced with the Green Revolution. However, after a few decades, scientists have identified the environmental damage and negative health effects of conventional agriculture and have introduced the organic farming system. Most of the principles of organic farming come from primitive farming systems that have been practiced for thousands of years.[1].
What is organic farming and organic food
We would say that the products that have been produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators and additives are characterized as organic. Organic products result from the cooperation of nature and soil microorganisms. [2].
Organic farming produces agricultural products naturally, without the use of synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms to influence crop growth. The main goal of this system is to produce a safe, healthy food for consumption, while reducing the minimal pollution due to agriculture [1].
In an organic production, the control of various diseases is based on the exposure of pests to their natural enemies, so insects, fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms (which are not pathogenic to a crop) reduce or even eliminate the pests. [3].
Organic food is more environmentally friendly, as organic farming leads to natural balance and higher soil fertility, the preservation of ecosystems and the reduction of pollution. [3].
In organic farming, agricultural practices such as crop rotation, biological pest control, biodynamic concepts, etc. are applied. Such practices are rare in conventional agriculture. Organic farming, admittedly, is more labor intensive and yields are lower than conventional farming [1].
Differences between organic and conventional food and agriculture
The use of hormones, herbicides, genetically modified organisms, synthetic chemicals to treat diseases and others, are explicitly prohibited in organic farming [4].
Wild grasses - "weeds" - are controlled mechanically and not by the use of herbicides. Soil disinfection is done with the help of the sun or other natural substances and not with the synthetic disinfectants used in conventional agriculture [4].
Most important of all, organic farming approaches the overall ecosystem, and not exclusively an individual crop. In an organically cultivated area there is life: insects, various species of plants and animals. For this reason, it is considered the most beneficial cultivation method for the environment itself (flora and fauna). Thus, organic farming is considered a "mentality" adopted by the organic farmer and applied with complete control.
At the same time, the organic product is the only one that is controlled in all its production and marketing stages. The whole production process is described in Community legislation, so that the consumer knows exactly what he is buying [4].
More specifically, the reliability of organic products is based on a strict control and certification system, in accordance with Laws 2092/91 and 1804/99, as well as their amendments, of the European Union. Every organic farmer must faithfully apply what is stipulated by this law and accept inspections by expert agronomists at all stages of production and disposal, who guarantee that all the rules set are observed, at which time they are certified by receiving their seal as genuine organic. They are, therefore, certified by approved control and certification bodies of organic products [5].
Briefly, the table below (source: www.bio-hellas.gr) shows the main differences between organic and conventional farming.
Pesticide Residues and European Regulation
It is noted that in all the products derived from organic agriculture, pesticide residues cannot be found in the final product. At the same time, modern analytical laboratories have the ability to detect concentrations of pesticides at extremely low concentrations, as low as 0.01 mg / kg (RL - Reporting Limit).
Conventional foods may contain pesticide residues, but these must always be below the MRLs set by law, for each type of food.
More specifically, European legislation sets the Maximum Residue Levels and sets out a common EU grading system for all agricultural products and foodstuffs [6].
It explicitly mentions the Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) for over 1100 substances, which can be contained in 315 fresh or processed products [6]. These levels are constantly updated and represent the maximum concentrations of pesticides that can be found in any food in order for it to be considered safe for consumption and legal circulation.
Below are examples of substances related to table olives and olives used for the production of olive oil, with data directly from the European website (latest access 13/04/2022) [6].
It is very important to note the variety of different activities that each substance of the table is attributed. Different substances exhibit fungicidal, insecticidal and herbicidal activity, and there is a specific maximum allowable residue (MRL) for every pesticide.
For example, the fungicide Fosetyl - Al is allowed, under European Regulation (EU) 2021/1807, in conventional table olives and in olive oil in concentrations up to 100 mg / kg. In the respective organic foods, this substance is not allowed. If we assume that in organic foods, the maximum limit of this substance is essentially the minimum limit of detection of a laboratory (Reporting Limit usually 0.01 mg / kg), then we see that practically a conventional food can contain the fungicide Fosetyl - Al in concentrations of 10,000 times higher than its organic counterpart, and still be in legal circulation.
Nick Sakellaropoulos
Chemical Engineer M.Sc.
Production Manager
Sakellaropoulos Organic Farms
Sources
• [1] https://gr.weblogographic.com/difference-between-organic-farming-and-conventional-farming-8559
• [2] Ziatas T., “ORGANIC FOODS VERSUS NON ORGANIC & PUBLIC HEALTH”, Diploma Thesis, University of Patras, 2018 (Translated to English)
• [3] https://www.organiclife.gr/el/organic-biologika/673-organic.html
• [4] http://users.sch.gr/kpara/Bio-Frarmacy%202007-08/diafores.html