General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Are GMO food products responsible for the degenerate state of the Republican party? [View all]Major Nikon
(36,827 posts)Synthetic substances tend to break down into more harmless compounds because they are specifically engineered to do so. Copper sulfate, which is inorganic but nonetheless approved under the National Organic Program, is highly toxic to people and animals and tends to accumulate in the soil and groundwater where it causes all sorts of environmental problems.
http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/carbaryl-dicrotophos/copper-sulfate-ext.html
If one is truly concerned about the environment, sustainability, and food safety, then the most effective and least evasive product should be used when necessary. Assuming the best product is always "organic" is nothing more than an appeal to nature fallacy. That's why the NOP is managed under the USDA's marketing branch, and discloses specifically that its regulations do not address nutrition or safety.