Study Reveals Organic Farms May Increase Pesticide Use on Neighboring Fields

A recent study in California’s Kern County suggests that as organic farm acreage grows, neighboring conventional farms might increase pesticide use due to heightened insect threats. The study, published in Science, highlights the potential for organic farms to unintentionally affect nearby conventional operations. Clustering organic farms together was found to reduce pesticide usage, hinting at a possible solution to mitigate unintended impacts. The findings call for a balanced approach to organic and conventional farming to ensure mutual benefits.