1.   Because rotenone is naturally occurring, it is advertised as being safer than synthetic pesticides, she said.

2.   Concern about the adverse effects of synthetic pesticides has led some farmers to use alternative pest management methods.

3.   Farmers who shun all synthetic pesticides to become certified organic growers have equally serious concerns, said John Wise, a partner in Sespe Creek Organics.

4.   Genetic engineering, as they called it, promised healthier food, more predictable harvests, fewer synthetic pesticides and more efficient use of water.

5.   Other major provisions issued on Wednesday ban synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in the growing of organic food, and antibiotics in meat labeled organic.

6.   The rules ban the use of most synthetic pesticides for crops, ban antibiotics from organic meat and require dairy cattle to have access to pasture.

7.   Organic farmers do not use chemical fertilizers or synthetic pesticides.