Aerial Applications of Organics

Contrary to media belief, organic production often requires pesticides to maintain quality and yields, especially when they are being raised in larger quantities for mass merchants such as Wal-Mart.  One outfit in California is a pioneer in aerial application on organic carrot, potato, cauliflower, broccoli, and lettuce.  Says Chuck Heppe of Chuck’s Choppers in Bakersfield, CA, “It is constant work because organic spraying is preventative; therefore, the crops have to be sprayed almost every day.  Farmers must work hard to prevent diseases and pests because, once they arrive, there is nothing that can be done to save the organic crop.  Applicators must spray organic fields early and often to prevent disease and pests.  I sprayed Duncan Farms crops almost every day, all year long, including weekends and holidays, because there were crops in the ground 365 days of the year.”

Another California aerial applicator who got into the aerial spraying of organics business three years ago stated that spraying organic fields has been great because it has expanded the company and is consistent work.  For many certifiers, triple rinsing between products not allowed on organic production and those organic pesticides which are allowed is sufficient to alleviate “contamination” of the organic product.  This also may lead to an additional charge for the organic grower.  There is also more flying-on of nutrients in organic crops.  (Agricultural Aviation, July/August 2007).