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Pesticides are not
poisons
Letter to the editor,
Spokesman
Review
July 23, 2007
by Heather Hansen, Executive Director
Paula Matheson’s letter about pesticides is misinformed.
Organic farmers do use pesticides. Organic pesticides are
reapplied more often than conventional pesticides because they
are less effective. Natural does not mean safe – botulism,
nicotine and arsenic are all natural.
Matheson clearly does not trust EPA. Would she rather eat food
produced in countries with no EPA? Much organically grown
produce is imported.
The pesticide regulations EPA enforces, were written by
Congress. More stringent requirements have been added twice in
the past ten years. No pesticide can be sold without passing at
least 120 tests required by EPA. Any product shown to cause harm
to cannot be sold. Failure to follow the requirements on the
label about how and where to use a product is a violation of
law.
Matheson’s assertions about economics and crop yields are
ludicrous. If pesticides were not economically beneficial, why
would farmers use them?
Produce grown locally may taste better because it’s fresher. By
all means, support your local growers when they have crops in
season. Otherwise, nutritionists advise eating a variety of
fruits and vegetables regardless of how they were grown.
Scientists say there is no benefit to eating organic produce.
Heather Hansen
Executive Director
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Telephone:
360-705-2040 |
Fax:
360-705-2018 |
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Mailing address:
PO Box 7644 , Olympia, WA 98507 |
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E-mail:
heatherhh@qwest.net |
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