70% Less Pesticide, 100% More Soil Health: Chrysanthemums Done Differently

Balancing Organic and Chemical Methods

Earth Foods does not exclusively favor organic farming over chemical methods; instead, it adopts a coexistence approach to maximize opportunities for biodiversity. The chrysanthemum farming in Cameron Highlands is a typical case for Earth Foods, where effective soil nutrition and biological activity are enhanced while maintaining minimal pesticide use—striking a balance between both approaches.

Key Motivations for Farmers to Reduce Pesticide Use in Cameron Highlands Chrysanthemum Farming：

(1) Health and Safety

Reducing pesticide use protects both farmers' health and consumer safety by minimizing harmful residues.

(2) Environmental Protection

Less pesticide use prevents soil degradation, water contamination, and biodiversity loss, supporting sustainable farming.

(3) Cost Reduction

Cutting back on pesticide expenses lowers production costs and increases profit margins.

(4) Market Demand

Growing consumer preference for organic and eco-friendly products drives the need for reduced pesticide use.

(5) Safety Standards

Stricter regulations on pesticide residues push farmers to align with evolving safety standards.

Some videos from end users (non-professionally filmed)

🔽A Rare Industry Example

Even with a 70% reduction in pesticide use, chrysanthemums continue to grow well, showing strong disease and pest resistance while maintaining high export quality.

🔽Healthy Ecosystem Attracts Earthworms

In this chrysanthemum plantation, despite the use of fertilizers and pesticides, the environment supports rich biodiversity and becomes a habitat with dense earthworm populations. The presence of abundant earthworms in the soil indicates that the soil is healthy, rich in organic matter, and well-drained.

🔽Strong Plants Ensure Quality

EF's optimized soil technology ensures plants receive precise and sufficient nutrients, resulting in robust, healthy stems and roots, and thereby guaranteeing quality.

🔽Loose, Aerated Soil

Despite long-term monoculture, the soil remains non-acidic and well-aerated, preventing compaction and reducing pathogens while enhancing beneficial biological activity, such as the proliferation of soil microorganisms and organisms.

Farmers with good patience and heart

Reducing pesticide use is a long process. Smart and patient farmers have spent three years observing the ecological changes in chrysanthemums, gradually reducing the use of chemical pesticides each year. Pesticides are not inherently evil; when used properly, they can maximize their effectiveness, achieve a balance between chemicals and ecology, and provide better economic benefits to farmers：

• In the first year, pesticide use was reduced by 30%.

• In the second year, pesticide use was reduced by 50%.

• In the third year, pesticide use was reduced by 70%, and this level has been maintained since.

​​* The above are personal experience data from end users, not standardized scientific data.

By implementing Fair Trade for Living Soil, humanity remains the greatest beneficiary.

Upholding the beautiful vision of “Fair Trade for Living Soil”, treating the soil kindly as "living soil," will ultimately result in the soil giving back to humanity far beyond what was imagined, exceeding expected benefits.

• The yield of Grade A flowers increased by 30%.

• Revenue per acre increased by USD $14,907.

• A 70% reduction in pesticide use led to a total cost savings of USD $9,173 per acre.

• A Beautiful and Real Experience: In the past, flowers were merely "products" and "work" to me. Now, with a deeper understanding of ecological balance, flowers have become "pets" and "care." I experience love and joy from nature and enjoy my days in the garden even more.

​​* The above are personal experience data from end users, not standardized scientific data.