At the same time that many big grocery chains are introducing small
organic food sections, agricultural pesticide use climbs steadily
higher, reports Susan Meeker Lowry in . This trend is echoed
worldwide; worse, bugs are simply developing resistance to chemical
after chemical. By the year 2000, all major pests are predicted to
show some genetic resistance. Plus, some 200,000 farmworkers die
worldwide from pesticide poisoning, with thousands more becoming
seriously ill.
The seven top grocery chains, which like most supermarkets carry
mostly pesticided produce, are the target of the food safety group
Food & Water Inc., which urges consumers to let grocers know
they want food grown with pesticide alternatives. Pesticide Action
Network — North America explains Food & Water’s campaign, as
well as PANNA’s
international efforts against pesticide abuse and advocacy for
chem-free agriculture.
Toward Freedom ($25/yr., 8 issues) available from 209
College St.,Burlington, VT 05401.
Food and Water Inc. available from RR.1,Box 68D, Walden,
VT 05873.1-800-EAT-SAFE.
