A new study finds animal compost may prevent harmful microorganisms from surviving in farm fields. The research, published today in the Journal of Applied Microbiology, could inspire changes in soil management. Some farms have veered away from animal compost in favor of synthetic fertilizers in part because of fear the compost would introduce pathogens that, when they hitch a ride on fresh produce, make people sick.

The number and types of organic operations in California continued to grow in recent years with an average of $1 million in sales per farm.

A new UC Davis study shows the combined threats of food loss and pesticide use reduced blue orchard bee reproduction by 57% and produced fewer female offspring when reproduction did happen.