Ronald Valentin: The Natural Power of Biological Control

#212:  Entomologist and grower Ronald Valentin joins Dave to talk about the advantages of using biological controls to manage pests in a greenhouse setting, where synthetic biocides are still the norm. Biological control have grown in popularity, as today, even in non-organic settings, techniques like "banker plants" have been adopted, where non-crop species provide habitat for beneficial insects that can help control aphids and other crop-damaging insects.Ronald Valentin grew up in the Netherlands, learning the craft of greenhouse management from his family. As an entomologist, he specializes in biological control identification and techniques, ensuring that growers know which bugs to introduce in order to disrupt and prevent damaging pest infestations. To watch a video version of this podcast with access to the full transcript and links relevant to our conversation, please visit:https://realorganicproject.org/ronald-valentin-natural-power-of-biological-control-212 The Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce, and pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs from products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/directoryWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be, but that the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing the ability for small farms who adhere to the law to stay in business. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but still paying a premium price. And the lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Friends:https://www.realorganicproject.org/real-organic-friends/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/