Profit Without Pesticides?
In today's culture, pesticide use is widespread. However, more and more people are telling farmers they should not use pesticides, and organic food prices are through the roof. Of course, not all pesticides are harmful and good, but can farms be profitable without them? (organic is its complex issue).
Growing food without pesticides is a controversial issue. On the one hand, farms without pesticides are better for bees, and people typically do not like chemicals near their food. But, on the other hand, not every farm can be profitable without pesticides, and pesticides help produce food for the growing population.
Other areas of the world have produced studies on growing crops without pesticides. A study in Tanzania found that growing cabbage under low tunnels can eliminate pesticides. However, it should be noted that in these countries' pesticides are often misused. While the tunnels did help, the overall conclusion was that there are variations of economic benefits, and it can be volatile whether the farmer makes a profit or not. While this may work in the US for small farms, it won't work for all farms or the farms with other crop varieties.
In terms of the US, an article was published about pesticide use and why we use it, stating that farmers would lose 20–40% of crops if they did not use pesticides. It is also said that whether pesticides help or hinder depends on if they are used correctly and that the US has introduced a framework to support the sustainable use of pesticides.
The US currently does need to use pesticides to stay profitable. However, there are certain areas where the US can reduce pesticides safely. This is a complex topic with no set correct answer; the only way to know what's best is to stay knowledgeable on the issue.
