According to 1995 data, for example, United States farmers applied nearly one-third of a pound of chemical fertilizers and pesticides for every pound of cotton harvested. When all nineteen cotton-growing states are tallied, the crop accounts for twenty-five percent of all the pesticides used in the U.S. Some of these chemicals are among the most toxic classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In developing countries, where regulations are less stringent, the negative impacts are even more severe.

The use of pesticides on non-organic cotton has serious health implications. The World Health Organisation estimates that 20,000 people die each year as a result of unsafe pesticide use, mainly in developing countries. As well as the human costs, there are environmental problems associated with non-organic cotton growing, such as reduced soil fertility, loss of biodiversity and water pollution. Organic farming methods can help to address these problems.

There is clearly a need to consider options such as organic growing methods. Of course, change takes time and involves an element of risk. However, given the right support, the potential benefits for the environment, the farmers and their families, can be considerable.

Do the world a favour - buy organic.