Tara Alley
The strawberry farmers of California are currently stuck in a very difficult spot. The scientists are in an uproar, the workers in the fields are irate, the families living near the fields are terrified and the farmers are stuck while the population demands strawberries as much as ever. The culprit? A pesticide. The traditionally used pesticide, methyl bromide, has been proven to delete the ozone layer, which called for international requirement by the Montreal Protocol to begin phasing it out. That may sound great, but the other side of the story is its replacement: methyl iodide. This pesticide, though legalized in 48 states (California included), is the subject of wide controversy revolving around its cancer-creating carcinogens.
As the research keeps piling up against the substance, the more livid those living and working with strawberries are becoming. May has been an especially important month in the decision for California. 39 renowned scientists, including three Nobel laureates in Chemistry, sent a letter on May 7th to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claiming “…rigorously conducted analysis indicates that methyl iodide cannot be used safely as a soil fumigant and serves as a sound scientific basis for US EPA to cancel all agricultural uses of methyl iodide.” EarthJustice is right on board, has a lawsuit against both the Department of Pesticide Regulation as well as Arysta LifeScience (the manufacturer), and claims “Our opinion is that the EPA can’t just ignore this evidence that we’ve put in front of them…so rarely do you have a situation when scientists are so unanimous.”
But, what exactly are the scientists claiming and why isn’t EPA listening? As mentioned, according to the scientists anti-use, it creates carcinogens which are cancer causing. A study on mice conducted by the University of California San Francisco proved that it did in fact cause cancer on the mice in the study. It’s also linked to causing late-term miscarriages in addition to potential damage to the nervous system as well as brain damage on those that come in close proximity with it. While the current standards set by Federal Regulations allow for workers be exposed to 150 parts per billion, and six states are currently using methyl iodide with that guideline, California has cut that number back to 96. However, the scientists against this new pesticide are claiming that the safest recommended amount is just .8 billions per part. That’s a more-than-drastic differentiation between 150 and even 96. Can it be used at such an amount and make a difference? That’s to be determined. According to Arysta, the scientists are simply mistaken.
In the meanwhile, California parents are already moving from their homes near strawberry fields and pulling their children out of schools bordering strawberry farms. And is it worth the risk?
So, where does that leave the farmers? They’re in a very tough spot. May 13th marked the end of EPA’s time for the public to comment, and as of yet, no changes have been made. As California takes advantage of over 37,000 acres to produce around 90% of the nation’s strawberries and bring in nearly $2 billion in revenue, it’s no wonder that they’re in a rush to find something that works and keeps the peace. And, while there is no way to avoid the required dismissal of methyl bromide, what about farmers like Jim Cochran, owner of Swanton Berry Farm who is adamant: “It’s certainly possible to grow commercially-viable and ecologically sound strawberry crops without using methyl iodide or any other chemical pesticides.”
Author Tara Alley is a freelance writer currently working on sustainable studies relating to California, and particularly to portable air conditioners and their impact on the ozone.
Sources:
Standen, Amy. “EPA opens public comment period on strawberry pesticide.” California Watch. Retrieved: 17 May, 2011. California Watch
Wozniacka, Gosia. Neighbors oppose strawberry farms’ fumigant use.” Business Week. Retrieved 17 May, 2011. Business Week
“Neighbors, farmworkers ask EPA to ban use of fumigant in California strawberry fields.” Washington Post. Retrieved 17 May, 2011. Washington Post
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