methyl iodide

On Valentine’s Day, Monterey County Supervisors voted overwhelmingly to urge California to take action on methyl iodide. Over one hundred farmworkers filled the hearing room in the heart of strawberry country, along with farmers, rural residents and physicians.

Tuesday’s vote was historic not only because of the resolution passed, but because of the triumph in the face of powerful corporate pressure. 

Last week, Governor Jerry Brown signaled a new direction for California agriculture with the appointment of Brian Leahy as the state’s chief pesticide regulator.

Leahy, a former conventional-turned-organic rice farmer, takes the helm of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) at a key moment: the agency is embroiled in controversy over its decision to approve the cancer-causing pesticide methyl iodide despite strong scientific opposition to the chemical.

CONTACT:

Tracey Brieger, Californians for Pesticide Reform
tracey@pesticidereform.org, Cell: 415-215-5473

Paul Towers, Pesticide Action Network
ptowers@panna.org, Cell: 916-216-1082

February 2, 2012

CONTACT:

Paul Towers,Pesticide Action Network
916-216-1082, ptowers@panna.org

Tracey Brieger, Californians for Pesticide Reform
415-215-5473, tracey@pesticidereform.org

Opposition to cancer-causing methyl iodide is at a fever pitch in California, a year after the Schwarzenegger Administration approved the chemical for use in the state.

As Gov. Jerry Brown considers action on methyl iodide in 2012, as well as the appointment of a new chief pesticide regulator, it’s worth reflecting on PAN's efforts to ensure safe strawberries over the past year.