Harrysiemens1's List: organics

TORONTO — The head of the Canada Organic Trade Association says it's difficult to get a full picture of pesticide residue on organic produce in Canada.

Matthew Holmes was reacting to government inspection reports obtained by CBC News that showed 23.6 per cent of the 178 organic apples tested in 2009 and 2010 had residues.

He says the testing does indicate some trace amounts, but it's actually good news showing "really, really low" levels and corroborating what's been seen elsewhere, in the United States and Europe.

Holmes says non-organic produce can have anywhere from about 10 times to 100 times more pesticide residue as organic produce.