Rob Faux
Aug 24, 2022
I’ve spent more time than most reading the use labels on pesticides. I can tell you that it has nothing to do with a riveting plotline or excellent character development. Instead, it is because of where we live (Iowa) and what we do here (small-scale, diversified farm).
No, we have not decided to use pesticides on our farm – but that would have been a better reason for us to spend time reading these labels. That would have meant that we were researching a tool that we thought we might use. It would mean that we were intent on following those instructions... Read More
Pesticide Actio...
Aug 23, 2022
In early June, the PAN global network released the latest update of its list of pesticide bans—and the news is encouraging. The 6th edition of the PAN International Consolidated List of Banned Pesticides documents 73 dangerous pesticides newly banned by national governments around the world.
The European Union and UK once again scored highest with 464* pesticides banned, followed by Turkey (212) and Saudi Arabia (201). Brazil is the stand out country in Latin America with 133 pesticides banned, and Indonesia and Cambodia scored highest in Asia, with 62 and 60 chemicals banned... Read More
Asha Sharma
Aug 10, 2022
Organizing Co-Director Asha Sharma recently sat down and chatted with her dad — Dr. Jivesh Sharma — about pesticides and cancer risk.
Understandably, not many people have fond memories of hospitals. But I’ve always felt comfortable in them – growing up, my dad was a busy oncologist (cancer doctor) running his own private practice. Visiting his office at the hospital was one of the few ways I got to spend extended time with him. I remember entertaining myself by chasing the robot that delivered medicine to offices around the hospital, and happily scarfing down jello at the... Read More
Rob Faux
Aug 05, 2022
1 comments
Our farm will soon observe an anniversary that we would rather not think about. On July 27, 2012, a spray plane applied a mix of three pesticides to a field adjacent to our vegetable and poultry farm. The flyer left the nozzles on as they flew over the western half of our farm, hitting our most productive vegetable field, our high tunnel, a natural pollinator area, our pastured laying hen flock, our turkeys, and me with this mix of chemicals.
None of the pesticides were rated as safe for human or animal exposure on application. I had to seek medical attention for breathing... Read More
Zoe Hollomon
Jul 14, 2022
Hello and greetings from the PAN Minnesota team,
Summer is always so busy with organizing, community events, the growing season, travel, and everything else! I wanted to check in quickly with some updates on our work, announcements, and action items in support of good food, agriculture, and environmental work. Enjoy!
In Solidarity,
Zoe Hollomon, Organizing Co-Director, Minnesota
Farmer & environmental policy training series
This spring, we hosted our first state policy training series for BIPOC-led farming and environmental justice organizations! Led by lobbyist and... Read More
Pesticide Actio...
Jun 30, 2022
Last month, our friends at the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) released a groundbreaking new briefing on a largely unexamined issue – microplastics in pesticides. PAN regularly highlights the dangers of pesticides and the threats they pose to the health of our communities and ecosystems because of their active ingredients. But sometimes inert ingredients can be just as, or even more, dangerous.
CIEL’s report, “Sowing a Plastic Planet,” reveals that chemical formulations include the deliberate addition of microplastics to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides used in... Read More
Simone Adler
Jun 10, 2022
Greetings from the PAN International Team,
I’m excited to share with you that we just reached a big milestone in our campaign to Stop the #ToxicAlliance between United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) and pesticide industry association CropLife International!
Last week, PAN submitted a letter to Member States of the FAO’s Council signed by 430 civil society and Indigenous Peoples organizations from 69 countries across the globe! The letter called on the FAO Council to rescind the agency’s partnership with CropLife International, which represents the world’s largest... Read More
Pesticide Actio...
Jun 06, 2022
Corporations are gaining increasing influence at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), at the expense of states, small scale food producers, Indigenous Peoples and civil society. But far from resisting this corporate capture, the FAO appears to be actively embracing it. The corporate takeover of UN institutions like the FAO threatens the democratic governance of our food systems.
A new report published June 7, Corporate Capture of FAO: Industry's Deepening Influence on Global Food Governance, exposes the extent of FAO’s engagement with the corporate sector and its... Read More