With so much information out there, it’s easy to feel like we’re compromising on safety if we buy conventionally grown foods (AKA grown with synthetic pesticides and fertilizers). But here’s what might surprise you: Pesticides and fertilizers are some of the most tightly regulated substances in North America, and they’re essential tools for producing safe, affordable, and nutritious food for everyone.
In simple terms, pesticides and fertilizers are like ‘medicine’ and ‘vitamins’ for crops, protecting plants from threats and providing nutrients that support healthy growth. Farmers depend on these tools to help maintain a steady supply of fruits, vegetables, grains, and pulses. Without them, crop losses from pests and nutrient depletion would be widespread, impacting food availability and prices.
Fertilizers, on the other hand, act like a multivitamin for the soil, adding back essential nutrients that crops pull out as they grow. Conventional farmers often use synthetic fertilizers to replace nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, ensuring soil fertility for future seasons. Organic farming doesn’t allow synthetic fertilizers, so organic farmers rely on crop rotations, compost, and natural fertilizers. These techniques can be effective, but they also mean that organic farms face higher risks of nutrient depletion, and organic yields are often lower.
Both pesticides and fertilizers used in conventional farming are regulated with strict safety standards. In the U.S. and Canada, the EPA and Health Canada evaluate each product to ensure it’s safe for humans, animals, and the environment. For example, regulators set Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), which are safety levels that keep pesticide residues far below harmful amounts. MRLs are so conservative that you’d need to eat nearly your weight in apples every day to approach even the lowest harmful exposure level.
Farmers aim to minimize applications of both pesticides and fertilizers. Every time a farmer passes over a field with equipment, it’s costly—not just in the price of the products but also in fuel, equipment wear, and labor costs. And heavy equipment can compact the soil, which affects water absorption, soil health, and root growth. To avoid these impacts, farmers rely on precision technology to apply the right amount, only when and where it’s needed. This reduces environmental impact while ensuring crop protection.
With careful management, farmers balance the need to protect crops with their responsibility to safeguard the environment. This approach supports safe food production while keeping costs reasonable, so healthy food remains accessible to everyone.
When you buy food in North America, you can be confident it’s grown with your safety in mind. With strict regulations and responsible farming practices, pesticides and fertilizers are used in ways that protect both crops and consumers. Conventionally grown food is at least as safe and nutritious than organic food.
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