(a) The producer must use management practices to prevent crop pests, weeds, and diseases including but not limited to:

(1) Crop rotation and soil and crop nutrient management practices, as provided for in §§205.203 and 205.205;

(2) Sanitation measures to remove disease vectors, weed seeds, and habitat for pest organisms

(3) Cultural practices that enhance crop health, including selection of plant species and varieties with regard to suitability to site-specific conditions and resistance to prevalent pests, weeds, and diseases.

We think the first thing organic farmers should do is take preventative measures such as:

(a1) Crop Rotation

(a2) Sanitization of the field at the conclusion of harvest when necessary

(a3) Cultural Practices that create a habitat for beneficial organisms that are native to the region/habitat. EX: Adding certain native plants and flowers to surround harvest or in between rows.

(b1) Introduction of predators or parasites to the habitat to certain pests.

(b2) Development of habitat for natural enemies of pests

(c1) Mulching with fully biodegradable materials

Farmers should prioritize creating a habitat for beneficial organisms and reducing a habitat for detrimental ones.

Crop diversity is another way to promote the growth of beneficial insects and also decrease the amount of pests that target monocultures such as corn.

Promoting natural predators in the habitat is a natural way to reduce pests that can be harmful to crop yields (Flint and Phillips).

We think measures that decrease biodiversity should only be used when there is an obvious pest problem. These secondary measures are:

(b3) Non-synthetic controls such as lures, traps, and repellents.

(c2) Mowing

(c3) Livestock grazing

(c4) Hand weeding and mechanical cultivation

(d) Management practices which suppress the spread of disease organisms