Pesticide problems

International institutions and United Nations bodies fail to appreciate the contribution of organic farming as a truly sustainable form of agriculture. Pesticide problems continue: while the most effective way to reduce the risk is not use them-and this is precisely what organic agriculture successfully achieves on millions of hectares all over the world.

The environmental problems that accompany the use of pesticides are serious, and health problems are not abating: the World Health Organisation Statistics Quarterly states that as many as 25 million agricultural workers in the developing world may suffer at least one incident of pesticide poisoning each year. Fundamental changes in the way we practise agriculture are essential, going beyond using a bit less pesticides, optimising spray equipment or providing instructions to farmers who cannot read.

In the debate on pesticide risk reduction a curative approach prevails, and the favoured solution to address pesticide problems is integrated pest management (IPM)*, which may slow down the problems, but does not avoid them. The organic farming message and practise believes that avoiding problems is preferable.

Origins of Biltong

The Dutch settlers who arrived in South Africa in the 17th century brought recipes for dried meat from the Old World. Preparation involved applying vinegar, then rubbing the strips of meat with a mix of herbs, salts and spices. The need for preservation in the new colony was pressing. Building up herds of livestock took a long time. There was native game about but it could take hunters days to track and kill a large animal such as an eland and they were then faced with the problem of preserving a large mass of meat in a short time in a hot climate during a period of history before iceboxes had been invented. Desiccation solved the problem. Biltong as we understand it today evolved from the dried meat carried by the wagon-travelling Voortrekkers, who needed stocks of durable food as they migrated from the Cape Colony (Cape Town) north-eastward (away from British rule) into the interior of Southern Africa during the Great Trek. The raw meat was preserved from decay and insects within a day or two, and within a fortnight, would be black and rock-hard after it had fully cured.

What is organic?

Organic farming recognises the direct connection between our health and the food we eat. Strict regulations, known as ‘standards’, define what organic farmers can and cannot do – and place a strong emphasis on the protection of wildlife and the environment. In organic farming:

• pesticides are severely restricted – instead organic farmer develop nutrient-rich soil to grow strong healthy crops and encourage wildlife to help control pests and disease
• artificial chemical fertilisers are prohibited – instead organic farmers develop a healthy, fertile soil by growing and rotating a mixture of crops using clover to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere
• animal cruelty is prohibited and a truly free-range life for farm animals is guaranteed
• the routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers is disallowed - instead the farmer will use preventative methods, like moving animals to fresh pasture and keeping smaller herd size
• the production and use of GM in animal feed is banned

www.bigjacksbiltong.com

'BIG JACKS BILTONG'

A tasty and healthy South African style dried

beef snack.25g protein,0.45g Carbs and 0.8g

fat in a50g pack.We have been perfecting our

technique for making Biltong, a spiced, dried

beef snack much loved by South Africans. We

have had it analysed and tested. The results

are very favourable, it is a safe, healthy snack

high in protein, low in fats and carbs that is

very good for sportsmen and women alike.

10 REASONS TO BUY ORGANIC FOOD

www.localmeat4u.com

10 Reasons to buy Organic Food 1 It's healthy On average, organic food contains higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants. 2 No nasty additives Organic meat doesn't contain food additives which can cause health problems such as heart disease, osteoporosis, migraines and hyperactivity. Amongst the additives banned by the Soil Association are hydrogenated fat, aspartame (artificial sweetener) and monosodium glutamate. 3 Avoids pesticides Over 400 chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming and residues are often present in non-organic food. The UK government has recently found high levels of pesticide residues in baby food, spinach, dried fruit, bread, apples, celery, and chips. 4 No GM Genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are not allowed under organic standards. 5 Reliance on drugs removed There is growing concern about the high use of antibiotics on farm animals and the possible effects on human health. Soil Association standards prohibit the routine use of antibiotics. 6 No hidden costs Compare this with the £120m that tax payers fork out to pay for chemicals to be removed from drinking water, mainly as a result of the pesticides used in farming. 7 High standards Organic food comes from trusted sources. All organic farms and food companies are inspected at least once a year. The standards for organic food are laid down in European law. 8 Care for animals Animal welfare is taken very seriously under organic standards. The benefits of the organic approach are acknowledged by animal welfare organisations such as Compassion in World Farming as well as the UK government. 9 Good for wildlife and the environment The UK government has said that it is better for wildlife, causes lower pollution from sprays, produces less carbon dioxide - the main global warming gas - and less dangerous wastes. 10 Top for taste Many people prefer organic food because they say it tastes better. A number of top chefs choose organic, and every year many are involved in the Soil Association's Organic Food Awards.