Within the agriculture world, synthetic pesticide use is an unfortunate, all too regular practice. But it’s getting a run for its money from the most unlikely of contenders: Ducks. Japanese farmers are revisiting an ancient method of rice and grain growing that does away with harmful chemicals and uses living, breathing ducks to increase production.

The birds are farm raised and free-roaming where they literally ‘police’ the fields, avoiding crops and instead feasting on harmful insects and weeds, which would otherwise destroy thousands of acres of paddy-fields. Not only do their feeding habits protect the crops, but their movements help as well….. bowel movements, that is. Their droppings act as natural fertilizer for the crops.

And what a penny saver this method is. The Guardian spotlights the good fortune of duck-farming practitioner Takao Furuno:

“Furuno has cut production costs and boosted output by about a third compared with his neighbors, who use chemical fertilizers. He sells the ducks too.”

We’re hoping this ideas spreads, worldwide, to farmers looking for better, smarter and cheaper ways to bring healthier, cleaner food to market.

And let's be honest: a family of adorable ducks running around is just a bonus.

Links to consider:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2012/jan/24/japan-farming-...