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Kudos to Kathleen Kilpatrick for her carefully researched, even-handed, thoughtfully worded and non-hysterical Community Voices op-ed, “Driscoll’s should lead on pesticide reform – not debate childhood cancer statistics.” Given the essay’s length, I’m concerned many readers might not have made it to the end. It finishes with:
“So here’s the gauntlet I’ll throw down: Show us your progress, Driscoll’s.
“One thing the state is good at: It collects and stores reams of data on pesticide use in California. To start, why not focus on the two categories local activists and parent groups want eliminated – fumigants and organophosphates?
“How about reviewing trend data from five recent years for berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries) within the boundaries of Pajaro Valley Unified School District (almost 8 million pounds applied in 2019-23) and in the state and setting a target for reduction?
“Then publicize your progress, and we’ll help spread the word.
“Health influencers are down on Driscoll’s, and on strawberries in general. But when it comes to growing berries, Driscoll’s is the world’s Influencer-in-Chief.
“Conventional berry takedowns are already getting attention online, and they’re not pretty. Markets and reputations might soon feel the strain.
“This is the right time, and the Pajaro Valley is a good place to start. Let’s go …”
Allen Cypher
Aptos
