North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Road's End Farm <organic87@frontiernet.net>]

On Feb 7, 2009, at 10:19 AM, eric wrote:

> <x-tad-smaller>I do not understand why Copper is considered "organic" or "sustainable". Using copper is adding poisonous heavy metals to your soil, and while even the worst of the chemical pesticides will break down over time, Copper is forever.</x-tad-smaller>
>

Copper in small amounts is an essential nutrient, for humans as well as for other species. 

Copper in excess can indeed be toxic. Current organic certification standards consider those copper materials which are permitted (some materials and uses are prohibited) to be a restricted-use material, and specifically state that they "must be used in a manner that minimizes accumulation in the soil". Restricted use materials are not supposed to be your only or primary means of control.

--Rivka
Finger Lakes NY; zone 5 mostly