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Pesticide Action Network

Pesticide Action Network

Minnesota Updates: March 2020

The latest out of Minnesota: How are you doing?

As Minnesota is one of the states in which PAN does on-the-ground campaign work, we send out regular updates on PAN and partners’ work in Minnesota and beyond — from pesticide-related science to opportunities to take action. If you’d like to recieve these updates via email, sign up here.

 

State updates

The state of things: After a month of jam-packed organizing, PAN staff are hunkering down for the time being to help delay the spread of COVID-19. This is a time of uncertainty and fear for so many people in our communities, but we can’t let fear paralyze us, or numb us to the science: right now, all Minnesotans need to take bold action to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Even if there are no official cases yet in your county, it’s important to stay home as much as possible in the next few weeks to avoid contact with asymptomatic carriers and those who haven’t been tested yet. If you have lost work due to COVID-19 restrictions, you should apply for financial assistance — find more information on unemployment qualifications here.

Now is a time to care for each other — which means not only offering help, but asking for it. Often, there are more resources available within your community than anyone might realize. Consider calling your neighbors up and checking in. Does someone need help with livestock care? Does anyone have an extra thermometer they don’t need? If you are young and able-bodied, offer to drop off groceries for those who might be avoiding shopping. And it’s important to stay connected, especially to those who may be isolated from friends and family. Consider signing up to talk on the phone with people in nursing homes, hospitals, prisons, and other extended containment facilities.

We’ll be back next month with updates on our regular pesticide work, but in the meantime, please feel free to reach out. We’re here!

Upcoming events

We encourage you to practice social distancing, but webinars and virtual meetings are a great way to stay connected! Check these out:

Webinar: What ag producers need to know about COVID-19
This webinar, hosted by the AgriSafe Network, will share evidence-based information about COVID-19 and help agricultural producers identify strategies for responding on their farm.

Chlorpyrifos use in Minnesota
Join the U of M Extension and MDA for an informative webinar on soybean aphid management, chlorpyrifos use, and pyrethroid resistance. This webinar is geared toward farmers, agricultural professionals, and pesticide applicators.

Take action

Here are a few ways to support your fellow Minnesotans in these difficult times:

Pesticide Action Network

Pesticide Action Network

Pesticide Action Network is dedicated to advancing alternatives to pesticides worldwide. Follow @pesticideaction

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