MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

A synthetic pesticide can still be classified as organic. True or False?

1. True

2. False

3. Only for certain formulations

4. Only if derived from natural sources

The correct answer is: False

A synthetic pesticide cannot be classified as organic because organic standards are specifically designed to exclude synthetic substances. The organic certification process requires that products be produced without synthetic additives or chemical ingredients. For a pesticide to be considered organic, it must typically be derived from natural sources and undergo rigorous evaluation by certifying bodies to ensure it meets organic production standards. Synthetic pesticides, regardless of their effectiveness or application, do not align with the principles of organic farming, which emphasize the importance of natural processes and materials in agricultural practices.