scholarly journals Appropriate sampling methods and statistics can tell apart fraud from pesticide drift in organic farming

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Albrecht Benzing ◽  
Hans-Peter Piepho ◽  
Waqas Ahmed Malik ◽  
Maria R. Finckh ◽  
Manuel Mittelhammer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Methods ◽  
Spray Drift ◽  
Pesticide Application ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Linear Discriminant ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
Pesticide Drift ◽  
Ubiquitous Presence ◽  
The Eu

AbstractPesticide residues are much lower in organic than in conventional food. The article summarizes the available residue data from the EU and the U.S. organic market. Differences between samples from several sources suggest that organic products are declared conventional, when they have residues—but the origin of the residues is not always investigated. A large number of samples are being tested by organic certifiers, but the sampling methods often do not allow to determine if such residues stem from prohibited pesticide use by organic farmers, from mixing organic with conventional products, from short-range spray-drift from neighbour farms, from the ubiquitous presence of such substances due to long-distance drift, or from other sources of contamination. Eight case studies from different crops and countries are used to demonstrate that sampling at different distances from possible sources of short-distance drift in most cases allows differentiating deliberate pesticide application by the organic farmer from drift. Datasets from 67 banana farms in Ecuador, where aerial fungicide spraying leads to a heavy drift problem, were subjected to statistical analysis. A linear discriminant function including four variables was identified for distinguishing under these conditions application from drift, with an accuracy of 93.3%.

scholarly journals Telling Apart the Bad from the Good Guys Behind the Spraying Mist

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albrecht Benzing ◽  
Hans-Peter Piepho ◽  
Waqas Ahmed Malik ◽  
Maria R. Finckh ◽  
Manuel Mittelhammer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Methods ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Spray Drift ◽  
Pesticide Use ◽  
Pesticide Application ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Linear Discriminant ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
Ubiquitous Presence ◽  
Sources Of Contamination

Abstract Residues of pesticides not allowed in organic farming are often found in organic food. A large number of samples are being tested by organic certifiers, but the sampling methods often do not allow to determine if such residues stem from prohibited pesticide use by organic farmers, from mixing organic with conventional products, from short-range spray-drift from neighbour farms, from the ubiquitous presence of such substances due to long-distance drift, or from other sources of contamination. Eight case studies from different crops and countries are used to demonstrate that sampling at different distances from possible sources of short distance drift allows in most cases to differentiate deliberate pesticide application by the organic farmer from drift. Datasets from 67 banana farms in Ecuador, where aerial fungicide spraying leads to a heavy drift problem, were subjected to statistical analysis. A linear discriminant function including four variables was identified for distinguishing under these conditions application from drift, with an accuracy of 93.3%.

scholarly journals Study of a test methodology to assess potential drift generated by air-assisted sprayers

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (2s) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Balsari ◽  
Paolo Marucco ◽  
Claudio Bozzer ◽  
Mario Tamagnone
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Spray Drift ◽  
Field Crop ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Pesticide Application ◽  
Buffer Zones ◽  
Iso Standard ◽  
Test Methodology

During pesticide application spray drift may cause diffuse pollution phenomena in the environment. In the last years the European Union, through the Directive on the sustainable use of pesticides (128/2009 EC), has recommended the adoption of measures enabling to prevent spray drift. Among these measures, the adoption of buffer zones beside the sprayed fields requires to consider different widths for these no spray zones according to the amount of spray drift generated by the spraying equipment used for application. It is therefore necessary to classify the different sprayer models according to drift risk. For what concerns the sprayers used on arboreal crops, in order to make this classification in a simple and quick way as it was already proposed for the field crop sprayers (ISO FDIS 22369-3), a study was started aimed at defining a methodology to assess potential drift produced by the different sprayer models in absence of wind, using ad hoc test benches. On the basis of the positive first experimental data obtained, a first proposal for a new ISO standard methodology was prepared.

Paleoenvironments revealed by rare-earth element systematics in vertebrate bioapatite from the Lower Devonian of Svalbard

2016 ◽  
Vol 53 (8) ◽  
pp. 788-794
Author(s):  
Živilė Žigaitė ◽  
Alexandre Fadel ◽  
Alberto Pérez-Huerta ◽  
Teresa Jeffries ◽  
Daniel Goujet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rare Earth ◽  
Rare Earth Element ◽  
Lower Devonian ◽  
Depositional Environment ◽  
Earth Element ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Dental Tissues ◽  
Abundance Patterns ◽  
The Eu

In situ rare-earth element (REE) compositions have been measured in early vertebrate microremains from the Lower Devonian basin of Andrée Land (Svalbard), with the aim of obtaining information about their early depositional environment and potential reworking. Vertebrate microremains with different histology were used for the analyses, sourced from two different localities of marginal marine to freshwater sediments from geographically distant parts of the Grey Hœk Formation (Skamdalen and Tavlefjellet members). We selected thelodont and undescribed ?chondrichthyan scales, which allowed us to define potential taxonomic, histological, and taphonomic variables of the REE uptake. Results showed REE concentrations to be relatively uniform within the scales of each taxon, but apparent discrepancies were visible between the studied localities and separate taxa. The compilation of REE abundance patterns as well as REE ratios have revealed that thelodont and ?chondrichthyan originating from the same locality must have had different burial and early diagenetic histories. The shapes of the REE profiles, together with the presence and absence of the Eu and Ce anomalies, equally suggested different depositional and diagenetic environments for these two sympatric taxa resulting from either stratigraphical or long-distance reworking. The REE concentrations appear to have visible differences between separate dental tissues, particularly between enameloid and dentine of thelodonts, emphasizing the importance of in situ measurements in microfossil biomineral geochemistry.

Organic farming in Austria

1999 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian R. Vogl ◽  
Jürgen Hess
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Brand Names ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Organic Farms ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Organic Movement ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
Present Decade

AbstractDuring the present decade, Austria has experienced a dramatic increase in organic farming among those countries that comprise the European Union (EU). For example, in 1992, approximately 2,000 farms were practicing organic, ecological, or biodynamic farming methods. By 1997 the number of certified organic farms plus those in transition from conventional farming had increased 10-fold to some 20,000 farms. This represents almost 9% of the total farms in Austria and an area of 345,375 ha, or 10% of the total cultivated farmland. The largest concentration of organic farms is in regions with a high proportion of alpine grassland or pastures. Approximately 50% of the organic farms range in size from 5 to 15 ha. The strong organic movement in Austria can be attributed to a) government subsidies which provide incentives to organic farmers and b) widespread acceptance of organic products and their brand names by large food chains and supermarkets. More than 60% of organic farmers are affiliated with associations and organizations that provide advisory and support services in marketing activities. Certification of organic farms and food processors is conducted by seven monitoring bodies according to EU regulation No. 2092/91, which guarantees legallybinding standards of food safety and quality to EU consumers, and according to the Austrian Alimentari Codex. Since January 1998, all monitoring/certifying bodies in Austria must verify accreditation according to regulation European Norm 45011. The major supermarket chain offers a variety of organic dairy and meat products, as well as organic ice cream, pizza, vegetables, fruits, baby foods, and bread. The current domestic wholesale value of organic products marketed from Austrian farms is approximately 170 million US$ annually. Unfortunately, funding for support of scientific research and extension to enhance organic farming and marketing has not kept pace with the increasing number of organic farms and farmers. Additional funding is essential to ensure the sustainable development of the organic movement and the organic market.

Organic Farming

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theodore J. K. Radovich
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Rapid Growth ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Early 21St Century ◽  
Integrated Agriculture ◽  
Organic Products

Organic farming occupies a unique position among the world’s agricultural systems. While not the only available model for sustainable food production, organic farmers and their supporters have been the most vocal advocates for a fully integrated agriculture that recognizes a link between the health of the land, the food it produces, and those that consume it. Advocacy for the biological basis of agriculture and the deliberate restriction or prohibition of many agricultural inputs arose in response to potential and observed negative environmental impacts of new agricultural technologies introduced in the 20th century. A primary focus of organic farming is to enhance soil ecological function by building soil organic matter that in turn enhances the biota that soil health and the health of the agroecosystem depends on. The rapid growth in demand for organic products in the late 20th and early 21st centuries is based on consumer perception that organically grown food is better for the environment and human health. Although there have been some documented trends in chemical quality differences between organic and non-organic products, the meaningful impact of the magnitude of these differences is unclear. There is stronger evidence to suggest that organic systems pose less risk to the environment, particularly with regard to water quality; however, as intensity of management in organic farming increases, the potential risk to the environment is expected to also increase. In the early 21st century there has been much discussion centered on the apparent bifurcation of organic farming into two approaches: “input substitution” and “system redesign.” The former approach is a more recent phenomenon associated with pragmatic considerations of scaling up the size of operations and long distance shipping to take advantage of distant markets. Critics argue that this approach represents a “conventionalization” of organic agriculture that will erode potential benefits of organic farming to the environment, human health, and social welfare. A current challenge of organic farming systems is to reconcile the different views among organic producers regarding issues arising from the rapid growth of organic farming.

Trade deals will boost EU organic agriculture

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Agriculture ◽  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
Pesticide Use ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agriculture Sector ◽  
The Past ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
Trade Deals ◽  
Opening Up ◽  
The Eu

Subject Outlook for the EU organic agriculture sector. Significance Over the past ten years, the EU’s organic sector has grown on average by 5-6% per year; 6% of farming land in the EU is used for the cultivation of organic foodstuffs. The drivers for continued growth include a consumer desire for ‘cleaner’ food, and concerns about genetically modified organisms and pesticide use in the supply chain. Impacts The EU is focusing on the development of its stringent organic regulations, which apply not only to EU but also to EEA member states. The EU-Chile agreement will likely provide a framework for future deals with other countries in the region such as Mexico. Demand for organic products in the EU is growing faster than production, opening up opportunities for other countries.

scholarly journals Development of intermodal transport in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region on the example of construction of the intermodal terminal in Emilianowo

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (12) ◽  
pp. 12-20
Author(s):  
Lucyna Szacillo ◽  
Henryk Zielaskiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Service Performance ◽  
Intermodal Transport ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Environmental Friendliness ◽  
Surface Transport ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Railway Infrastructure ◽  
Logistic Service ◽  
Eu Transport Policy ◽  
The Eu

Ones of the most important drivers of the country-wide logistics service performance are the number, quality and functionality of intermodal terminals. A systemic operational cooperation between node elements in the net of such facilities is crucial for the efficiency and environmental friendliness of the national logistic system. Moreover, looking from the perspective of national economy sustainable development, there is also a need to provide intermodal reloading services all over the county so creation of appropriate facilities in regions where they are missing is especially important. The Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region has favourable conditions for placement of logistic service infrastructure. Enterprise strategies should assume increased freight diversification as according to the EU transport policy 30% of long distance inland surface transport should be done with usage of environmentally friendly modes. Vast majority of freight is transported by roads. Construction of a new railway infrastructure, including intermodal terminals, should create new possibilities in the field of organization of physical distribution flows.

scholarly journals Tendencje na europejskim rynku żywności ekologicznej

2017 ◽  
Vol 17(32) (3) ◽  
pp. 29-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elżbieta Brągiel ◽  
Bogusław Ślusarczyk
Keyword(s):  
Organic Food ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Consumption Structure ◽  
Domestic Literature ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
Food Market ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Eu

The aim of the article is to analyze the size of sales, consumption of organic products and trends observed on the organic food market in individual European countries – especially in the EU. The basis for the analysis was IFOAM and FIBL data from the years 2000-2015, as well as foreign and domestic literature of the subject. The following final conclusions were drawn: a greater increase in the volume of sales of organic products over the determined fifteen years is observed in Europe than in the group of countries in the European Union. The highest sale of organic products in 2014 and 2015 was achieved by Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy and Switzerland. Over the years 2005-2014, the difference in expenditure on organic food per capita in the EU in comparison to the whole of Europe has grown every single year. Taking into account the growing share of organic products in the consumption structure of modern societies, extensive research on this subject should be conducted.

EU organic sector faces regulatory uncertainty

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Crisis ◽  
European Parliament ◽  
Organic Foods ◽  
German Government ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Controls ◽  
Regulatory Uncertainty ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
The Eu

Subject The organic sector in the EU. Significance UK consumption of organic foods is recovering from sharp reductions experienced during the 2008-09 economic crisis. Across the EU as a whole, consumption was less affected by the downturn, but organic farmers across the bloc face high costs and sometimes aggressive supermarket buying policies. As a result, imports are rising to meet growing demand, raising concerns about labelling and quality controls. Impacts Biogas subsidies could continue to put especial pressure on costs for organic producers in Germany. The German government is likely to pursue measures to help the organic sector, amid producer complaints. European Parliament consideration of the amended organic regulation looks set to be contentious.

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