Final answer:
It is true that in the US, farms certified as organic can use pesticides, but only those that are naturally derived and do not include prohibited synthetic additives. Organic agriculture focuses on less harmful practices to the environment and human health.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the US, farms certified as organic can indeed use pesticides. This is a true statement. However, there's a specific criterion these pesticides must meet according to the USDA's organic regulations. While most synthetic pesticides are prohibited in organic farming, farmers are allowed to use pesticides derived from natural sources or living organisms, provided they do not contain prohibited synthetic additives and are not listed under ยง 205.602 on the National List. Even so, some natural pesticides may have adverse effects on the ecosystem, including bees and other pollinators.
Regarding the broader impact of chemical substances in agriculture, using pesticides can save farmers money by preventing crop losses to pests and, in turn, potentially preventing a rise in food prices and world hunger. Nonetheless, organic agriculture aims to use practices that are less harmful to the environment, which includes the responsible use of natural pesticides to ensure ecological balance and human health.