Waldig writes > The truth of the matter is organic farming promotes biodiversity

No, that is not the truth of the matter. In fact, the use of the phrase "truth of the matter" is sort of a tip off that we have entered into ideological territory. This is not the place to argue ideology, but the scientific merit of observations and approaches. One can just as easily find support for one point of view as another, in any case. For example:

> Organic agriculture developed from the philosophical views of Rudolf Steiner and later Lady Eve Balfour, who in the 1940s founded the Soil Association. Although its supporters assert that organic agriculture is superior to other farming methods, the lack of scientific studies means that this claim cannot be substantiated.

> A common argument is that organic farming is 'holistic' and thus superior to reductionist 'chemical' agriculture on conventional farms. The dichotomy drawn between reductionist and holist views is, however, false and neither is superior to the other. The organic system is really only an aggregate of regulations ensuring efficient use of resources, and as such no different from integrated farm management. 

> A genuine holistic approach emphasizes the importance of the context of the system. The flexible site-specific approach of integrated farm management uses a contextual attitude that is denied the organic farmer working under restrictive regulations. 

> Organic agriculture was originally formulated as an ideology, but today's global problems -- such as climate change and population growth -- need agricultural pragmatism and flexibility, not ideology.

Urban myths of organic farming
Anthony Trewavas, Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JH, UK.
Nature 410, 409-410 (22 March 2001) 

[ Integrate Pest Management, or IPM, attempts to find the middle path between the SPRAY FIRST approach and the "All Chemicals Are Bad" mindset. Chemicals in agriculture are a necessary evil, to be used intelligently and sparingly. Almost all human activity has some harmful side effect on the natural diversity of this planet.  One has to balance the need for a healthy environment with the need to feed billions of people.  PLB ]

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