The Quixotic quest for chemical-free farming

The US government is supporting the use of natural pesticides despite there being few successful ones available. Crop production would decrease substantially if chemical farming was abondoned altogether. Some natural methods, such as biological control methods and crossbreeding are as hazardous as chemical ones and can only tackle one specific pest at a time. A national programme needs to be established to deal with natural pesticide research. Existing pest control methods need to be assessed and collected onto a data base available to researchers. Chemical pesticides should be allowed for minor uses.