Alternatives to chemical management techniques are increasing in popularity and widely encouraged in many industries. Examples range from implementing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) System to Certified Organic Farming.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a farm management strategy that uses a range of complimentary tools and control techniques to keep the population of harmful pests below the point where they are causing unacceptable loss in marketable yield. Thus IPM is a management approach rather than an eradication program. Benefits include reduced chemical costs (although generally increased time and monitoring commitments); a more natural balance between pests and predators; delayed development of resistance to chemicals and improved safety for the environment and the community. Principles of IPM are explained here.
Certified Organic Farming involves growing and processing products without the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilisers, or GMOs. Standards to achieve this are internationally recognised and are assured through annual audits of all certified operators by an independent third party auditor.
The following links provide a starting point for those wishing to explore this option.
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