Fact Sheet: Insect and Disease Management in Organic Grain Production

The tools in the organic toolbox may differ, but through a systems-approach based on biology and ecology, organic grain farmers can successful manage insects and diseases to maintain crop quality, productivity, and profitability. As with many aspects of organic production, successful pest management requires careful planning and a long-term outlook. Applied inputs in organic pest management of grain crops are seldom used due to their high costs and variable efficacy; however, even beyond these issues, their use is de-emphasized in organic management because the focus of the transition is to establish a proactive, systems-based approach. The foundational cultural and agronomic tools outlined above can support a system that allows a crop to sustain minimal damage with manageable pest pressure, especially if these tools are used in combination with weed management and soil health practices to support a healthy, vigorous crop.