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IN THE KNOW ABOUT THE “O”
FARMWORKERS AT RISK FROM CHEMICALS BUT ORGANIC CAN HELP
www.ota.com
synthetic pesticides provides the surest safeguard against chemical-related occupational health problems.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered and approved almost 1,400 pesticides with over 900 active ingredients for use in the United States. Meanwhile, organic farmers are required by law to follow strict standards set forth by the National Organic Production Act to implement cultural methods to control pests before any pest control substance may be applied. Some of the most common cultural practices they use to manage pests include crop rotations, intercropping, buffers and hedgerows, and the promotion of soil health to balance the farm ecosystem.
The millions of farmworkers who labor on our farms across the country are vitally important to the success of agricultural operations. They help plant and harvest crops, tend to livestock, maintain farm equipment, and manage weeds and pests. They are literally agriculture’s boots on the ground and hands in the dirt.
But those men and women who are an invaluable part of the robust American farming sector are also at greatest risk for exposure to agricultural pesticides and the adverse health impacts that can occur as a result, according to an important report from The Organic Center.
The Organic Center report, funded by the UNFI Foundation, synthesizes 129 research studies from around the world that cover topics ranging from the impacts of toxic, synthetic pesticides on the health of farmworkers and farm communities, to the science supporting the efficacy of chemical-free pest control to demonstrate how organic certified production can substantially benefit those working in agricultural systems.
There is growing awareness of how the sustained use of agricultural chemicals affects our health and our environment. Consumers often cite reduced pesticide exposure and environmental stewardship as the top reasons to choose organic.
Beyond our kitchens and homes, organic systems greatly reduce risks for farmworkers and agricultural communities by not using toxic, synthetic pesticides. The Organic Center study looks at how adult farmers and farmworkers are exposed to pesticides, the negative health consequences of those exposures, organic production practices and processes used by organic agriculture to protect farmers and farmworkers, and an overview of pest management practices that can be implemented in any farming system to reduce the need for pesticides.
Over 1.1 billion pounds of agricultural chemicals are used annually in the United States, and pesticide exposures on conventional farms cause thousands of illnesses every year. A large body of research documents the health risks associated with both short- and long-term exposure to pesticides: cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and poor reproductive health. Even with the best management practices while handling and applying pesticides, farmers and farmworkers are still at risk for exposure. The adoption of organic techniques that avoid the use of toxic,
In cases where these practices are ineffective in combatting a pest, organic farmers are allowed to use naturally occurring pest control products and restricted to about 25 synthetic materials approved by the National Organic Standards
1.1 billion pounds and 1,400 pesticides
Practices used by organic producers to support robust agroecosystems to naturally combat pests can reduce chemical inputs in any farm setting, By shifting to more sustainable farming systems that rely on balanced ecosystems as a first line of defense against pests, we can ensure sustainable food security and healthy farm communities into the future.
The health and safety of those who produce our food should be a concern for all of us. This report sheds light on this critical issue.
The Organic Center is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) research and education organization operating under the administrative auspices of the Organic Trade Association.
Board and deemed to pose little threat to humans and the environment. These substances undergo review every five years to assess any new knowledge of risk to humans and the environment, and to ensure protection of the population most vulnerable to the adverse health effects of pesticide exposure.
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