Background Agricultural Connections
Apples are the second most consumed fruit in the United States. On average, Americans consume 27 pounds of apples (fresh, canned, frozen, dried, or juiced) a year.3 Because apple orchards attract numerous insects and diseases that cause damage to vegetation and fruit, both organic and conventional producers employ a variety of pest management practices to prevent, monitor, and eradicate pests.
Organic production is defined as "an ecological production system that integrates cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster resource cycling, ecological balance, and biodiversity."4 Many inputs and practices commonly used in agriculture are prohibited by the national organic standards implemented in 2002 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Certified organic fruits are required to be produced without using most conventional synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, antibiotics, and sewage sludge. Conservation of natural resources and biodiversity is mandatory. Any pesticides used must be included in the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances for use in organic production. USDA-accredited certifiers review farm applications and inspectors conduct annual on-site inspections of organic orchards. Farm records track all management practices and materials used in organic production, and organic farms must have an "organic farm plan" available to the public upon request.4
Conventional orchards use many of the same biological and cultural controls used by organic growers. In addition, conventional producers are permitted to use Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP) as part of their pest management program. A pesticide is classified as restricted if it requires specific application methods to prevent harm to humans or the environment. RUP pesticides are not available to the general public and may only be used by United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified applicators who have the knowledge and training to use them safely and effectively. Strict rules exist to control how much and which pesticides can be used on farms. Withdrawal restrictions prohibit pesticides from being applied immediately before harvest, minimizing the risk of carryover to the food supply. USDA's Pesticide Data Program (PDP) rigorously tests domestic and imported foods for pesticide residues to ensure that the U.S. food supply is safe.