Seed Speaks Video: Getting beyond the myth that synthetic pesticides do more harm than good

Credit: Amit Dave/Reuters
Credit: Amit Dave/Reuters

With questions about sustainability and safety from consumers, and efficacy and longevity from farmers, pesticides have many questions that need answers.

A recent report by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that 98.7% of domestic food for human consumption were compliant with federal standards and no pesticide residues at all were found in 42.4% of domestic food. Regardless of federal inspections, doubts about safety in the food supply persist.

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This week on Seed Speaks, Seed World Group Editorial Director Sonja Begemann is joined by pesticide experts from across North America. Joining the panel is:

  • John Jamieson, president and CEO of the Canada Centre for Food Integrity (CFFI). He joined CCFI after several leadership roles within Canadian ag organizations. Jamieson is also a professional agrologist and certified nutrient management planner.
  • Fred Whitford, coordinator of Purdue Pesticide Programs. Whitford has co-authored five books, spoken at thousands of events and field days and worked as a regulator before moving to Purdue University.
  • Aaron Hager, associate professor and University of Illinois (U of I) Extension weed scientist. He’s worked U of I for almost 30 years where he specializes in weed science, namely the evolution of various weed species. In that same research, he’s developed a strong understanding of herbicide systems.

This is an excerpt. Read the original post here.

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Are pesticide residues on food something to worry about?

In 1962, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring drew attention to pesticides and their possible dangers to humans, birds, mammals and the ...
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