Concerns Over Pesticide Rules

Your July 16 editorial, “Time to Heed Consumer Concerns,” unfairly misleads the public and indicates your lack of understanding of AB 2161 by Assemblymen Bruce Bronzan (D-Fresno) and Bill Jones (R-Fresno).

AB 2161 would make important and significant changes in the way pesticides are regulated and monitored in California. It seeks to improve California’s pesticide regulatory system, already the most progressive in the world.

You correctly stated that AB 2161 establishes a testing program for processed foods and expands residue monitoring of raw agricultural products. But then you say “it does not go far enough.” It does go further.

AB 2161 requires farmers to submit reports detailing information on all pesticides used, not just those that are required by current law. This data will greatly increase the overall effectiveness of the state’s monitoring program by targeting testing to specific chemicals known to have been used. This data will also assist state and federal officials in directly assessing risk by providing actual usage data.

This data is important for farmers and it is one of the reasons why the California Farm Bureau Federation and many other agricultural organizations are sponsors of the bill. You stated that chemical manufacturers support AB 2161. According to our information, chemical companies have not taken a position on the bill. You neglected to mention the fact that the California Children’s Lobby, a nonprofit, bipartisan child advocacy group, is a co-sponsor of AB 2161. The California Medical Assn., American Academy of Pediatrics, California Assn. of Hospitals and Health Systems and California Grocers Assn. also support the bill.

AB 2161 would establish and fund alternative pest management research to reduce pesticide use. It also would speed the identification of the latest methods to ensure that the most effective residue testing criteria are employed. Another provision requires accreditation of private residue testing laboratories. All of these measures are positive and progressive steps in providing for greater food safety.

Consumers have concerns about food safety that should not be ignored. A thorough evaluation of all the provisions of AB 2161 will reveal that it can make great strides in addressing consumer concerns regarding food safety.

BOB L. VICE

President

California Farm Bureau Federation

Sacramento