“If a neighbor 1½ miles away sprays, you still can get it. It’s especially hard on perennials,” said Behar, who operates an organic farm near Gays Mills with her husband, Aaron Brin.

The dust-up pits opponents against major national groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation. Proponents insist that the new crop varieties are needed to allow expanded use of 2,4-D to stifle “super weeds” that have become resistance to other herbicides.

Opponents such as MOSES contend that increasing use of stronger herbicides will escalate chemical use as weeds develop resistance at each level.

Organic farmers shun the use of herbicides and pesticides, opting instead for techniques such as crop rotation to replenish the soil and using crops that attract friendly insects such as honeybees.

“Whenever we plan our cover crop schedule, we have something for bees to eat at the same time, as well as building the soil. Bees provide a good supply of pollinators,” said Behar, who said products she sells from the Sweet Springs Farm include produce, eggs and honey.

“It’s interesting and exciting when you as the human are part of the ecosystem,” she said. “The food is important, but it’s also good for your soul.”