08/12/2025
Bearing this finding in mind, it's worth knowing that UK organic farming uses only a limited number of naturally-derived pesticides, permitted only as a last resort after non-chemical methods fail, with strict rules banning many harmful synthetics.
Key Points:
Naturally Derived: Allowed substances come from natural sources (e.g., plant oils, garlic, clove oil).
Last Resort: They are only used when preventative measures (crop rotation, biodiversity, soil health) aren't enough.
Strictly Regulated: UK organic standards (like the Soil Association) prohibit artificial pesticides and GM.
Low Usage: Most organic farms use very few, if any, pesticides, with many relying almost entirely on preventative methods.
So, while not completely "chemical-free," the system prioritizes natural methods, restricts approved substances heavily, and bans routine or prophylactic spraying, making it very different from conventional farming.
One sample of grapes contained at least 16 different pesticides