Proposed plan to spray organic crops looking for public comment
Environmental activists with Earthjustice say a new plan proposed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture could threaten California’s organic farming industry, forcing farmers to spray organic fields with chemicals as part of a mandatory statewide program.
“Pesticides have a kind of a trickle down effect,”said Palm Desert resident Kevin Owens. “And it can go down and effect the soil and ultimately the water table.”
The plan is called the Statewide Pest Problematic Environmental Impact Report or PIER. It is aimed at eliminating invasive bugs, plants, and fungi that threaten agriculture as well as native plants, but growers say there are ways to protect produce without using harmful chemicals.
From plump persimmons to succulent strawberries, some people go out of there way to get only organic produce.
“It’s better for the planet and the food tastes better,” said organic farmer Gabrielle Gaul owner of Herbivore. People want to know where their food is coming from and that it’s healthy for them.”
“Pests can be controled in natural ways. The God intended,” said Gaul.
Supporters of the plan say this could be a good way to mitigate evasive species that harm the natural wildlife of California.
Comments need to be made in writing either though email at PEIR.info@cdfa.ca.gov or conventional mail at:
ATTN: Laura Petro, Senior Environmental Scientist
Statewide Program Draft PEIR Comments
California Department of Food and Agriculture
1220 N Street, Suite 221
Sacramento, CA 95814.
The deadline for public comment on the plan is this 10/31/14.
