GLP podcast and video: EWG’s ‘Dirty Dozen,’ debunked; On pesticides, trust experts, not ideologues; Ukraine war derails EU’s Farm-To-Fork proposal

• 99.8%: Rebuffing Environmental Working Group’s ‘Dirty Dozen’ pesticide claims, EPA says almost all fruits and vegetables are safe

Despite EWG’s claims about the dangers of pesticides, independent experts and regulators continue to insist that America’s food supply is among the safest in the world. There is simply no evidence to suggest that trace amounts of pesticides on your produce can pose a health risk. Let’s examine just how extensively officials at the EPA, FDA and USDA investigate the chemicals that farmers are allowed to use.

• Viewpoint: Concerned whether pesticides in the environment are safe? Listen to hands-on experts, not ideologues

Claims that pesticides pose a severe threat to human health and the environment are a dime a dozen. The problem is, most of these allegations come from people with ideological commitments that force them to oppose pesticide use. Talking to experts, who actually work with these chemistries, offers a much more balanced perspective. When pesticides are misused, they can indeed be very dangerous. When used as intended and with the proper safety protocols in place, pesticides play and important role in producing our abundant food supply.

• How the war in Ukraine has derailed the European Union Farm to Fork initiative — and sparked debate about what constitutes sustainable agriculture

Ukraine is a major grain producer; Russia is one of the top producers of chemical fertilizer used in agriculture. With the ongoing war disrupting both countries’ exports, Europe has been forced to hit the pause button on its F2F proposal. The decision confirms that the EU simply can’t afford to mandate increases in organic farming and cuts in pesticide use with global food shortages looming. Will these developments finally incentivize the EU to permanently rethink its skepticism of crop biotechnology and agricultural chemicals?

Cameron J. English is the director of bio-sciences at the American Council on Science and Health. Visit his website and follow ACSH on Twitter @ACSHorg