>>There are a limited number of approved organic pesticides compared to a huge
number of not-organic-approved  pesticides, so the comparison would be
unfair to both.

The comparison should not be based on the number of pesticides in both categories but on the quantity of pesticides applied per acre in organic and *industrial ag* fields.  And their toxicity to humans when present as residue in the resulting food.  I assume the bottom line for all of us is nutritious, healthful food. 

Just consider the big difference in soil and water contamination for both types.

>>For example, I discussed using an organic pesticide on my apples compared to
a common tree pesticide and was told, off the record, by a well respected
organic specialist that I would do less damage (both to myself and the
environment) with the garden pesticide. So in that case, the garden pesticide wins.

That's contrary opinion to the organic objective and goals set up by the USDA:

http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/ofp/ofp.shtml

>> But then you can take a commercial pesticide that requires a
pesticide application license compared to a fairly benign organic pesticide
(like diatomaceous earth if you use a dust mask) and prove the opposite.
(Even diatomaceous earth can be harmful to humans.)

That is right.  The bottom line though is organic food has much, much less persistent pesticide residue.  You can get conventional pesticide residue by way of drift from conventional farms.

>>Those pesticides tend to be broad brush killers of insects, as there are so few, while synthetic pesticides can be designed for a specific pest.

This at first would seem to suggest the organic approach is very devastating.  The truth of the matter is organic farming promotes biodiversity:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn6496-organic-farming-boosts-biodiversity-.html

>>It interesting to  read the article (thanks, Peter) since they bring up some
of the standard organic arguments and do a good job of pointing out the
errors. You will see many that have appeared on this list.

Is the USDA wrong on the subject?

Waldemar





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