California Approves the Use of Dangerous Pesticide on Strawberry Fields

Reader Contribution by Californians For Pesticide Reform

Ignoring the assessments of U.S. scientists and its own Scientific Review Committee, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) announced its approval for use of methyl iodide, a potent carcinogen and water contaminant, in the state’s strawberry fields. The news comes one day after press events in eight California cities urging DPR to deny its approval, and after the state of Washington decided to not allow use of the chemical.

A coalition of farmworker, farm, public health and environmental groups is calling on California Gov. Jerry Brown to work with his staff to undo this approval, and deny the use of methyl iodide in California. Specifically, they say Brown should:

  • Follow the recommendation of John Froines, chair of the Scientific Review Committee, to reconvene the committee and direct DPR to incorporate the committee’s evaluation and analysis into its final decision.
  • Put a moratorium on methyl iodide use on his first day of office.
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