The same atrocities are happening in San Diego county, specifically in Oceanside's protected prime farmland in South Morro Hills. There's a farmworker housing community up the road from our home where lots of very scared workers (all Spanish-speaking, mostly from Mexico and Guatemala) live in housing provided by the farm owners for low rent. I've talked with a few of them out in the fields and they know the heavy pesticide use is awful, but they don't have a voice in the matter. It's either do the job or lose their job, their family's home, and so much more.
I've also talked with a few of the farm owners and their response is always "everything we do is legal and safe." Meanwhile, through getting to know more of their family members who grew up and live in the area, I've learned that most of them have the same illnesses we know are linked to pesticides (parkinsons, alzheimers, dementia, RA, thyroid and immunity issues, cancer, infertility, etc.). They're completely blind to the connection, even though several of them hold Phds in plant science from the state's most respected universities. If they're oblivious to their own family members' suffering as a result of their pesticide use, these farm operators certainly are not aware of or concerned with the impacts to their farm workers. The only concern is for the 3 "P"s of commercial farming: Perfection. Profits. Pesticides.
The conversation about the dangers of pesticides must include solutions. And the solution is clear and proven. Many commercial farmers have made the move to Regenerative Agriculture and have discovered remarkable profits without pesticides, fungicides, or synthetic fertilizers (Gabe Brown is one of the more outspoken RA growers). They're regenerating the soil for healthier plants, healthier animals, healthier people, and a healthier Earth.
As a business owner, it will be wise for growers to get onboard with the Regenerative Agriculture movement. Even if it's just for profits at first, take one look at Google Trends for the "Regenerative Agriculture" topic... it's taken off over the last 18 months and gaining the attention of investors and tech startups. If it wasn't profitable, tech investors wouldn't be after it.
You may want to talk to Beate Ritz at UCLA if you have not already done so on the PD and pesticide risk. She has comprehensive 20 year data on various pesticides.
I know a great deal about that area in Ventura, since I lived there for several years. What I found most astonishing was that the field workers when spraying were dressed in pesticide suits and full masks, fully covered. That was the last time I ate a strawberry.
I know a great deal about that area in Ventura, since I lived there for several years. What I found most astonishing and scary was that the field workers when spraying were dressed in pesticide suits and full masks, fully covered. Anyone when they are spraying can get pictures of this, it's also the last time I ate a strawberry!!
Very well said Sheena. And very sad.
The same atrocities are happening in San Diego county, specifically in Oceanside's protected prime farmland in South Morro Hills. There's a farmworker housing community up the road from our home where lots of very scared workers (all Spanish-speaking, mostly from Mexico and Guatemala) live in housing provided by the farm owners for low rent. I've talked with a few of them out in the fields and they know the heavy pesticide use is awful, but they don't have a voice in the matter. It's either do the job or lose their job, their family's home, and so much more.
I've also talked with a few of the farm owners and their response is always "everything we do is legal and safe." Meanwhile, through getting to know more of their family members who grew up and live in the area, I've learned that most of them have the same illnesses we know are linked to pesticides (parkinsons, alzheimers, dementia, RA, thyroid and immunity issues, cancer, infertility, etc.). They're completely blind to the connection, even though several of them hold Phds in plant science from the state's most respected universities. If they're oblivious to their own family members' suffering as a result of their pesticide use, these farm operators certainly are not aware of or concerned with the impacts to their farm workers. The only concern is for the 3 "P"s of commercial farming: Perfection. Profits. Pesticides.
The conversation about the dangers of pesticides must include solutions. And the solution is clear and proven. Many commercial farmers have made the move to Regenerative Agriculture and have discovered remarkable profits without pesticides, fungicides, or synthetic fertilizers (Gabe Brown is one of the more outspoken RA growers). They're regenerating the soil for healthier plants, healthier animals, healthier people, and a healthier Earth.
As a business owner, it will be wise for growers to get onboard with the Regenerative Agriculture movement. Even if it's just for profits at first, take one look at Google Trends for the "Regenerative Agriculture" topic... it's taken off over the last 18 months and gaining the attention of investors and tech startups. If it wasn't profitable, tech investors wouldn't be after it.
You may want to talk to Beate Ritz at UCLA if you have not already done so on the PD and pesticide risk. She has comprehensive 20 year data on various pesticides.
I know a great deal about that area in Ventura, since I lived there for several years. What I found most astonishing was that the field workers when spraying were dressed in pesticide suits and full masks, fully covered. That was the last time I ate a strawberry.
Ick!!!
I know a great deal about that area in Ventura, since I lived there for several years. What I found most astonishing and scary was that the field workers when spraying were dressed in pesticide suits and full masks, fully covered. Anyone when they are spraying can get pictures of this, it's also the last time I ate a strawberry!!