PLATFORM : Don’t Fault Farmers

Destruction of millions of dollars in crops has created havoc in fields, packing houses, unemployment offices, local businesses and supermarket produce departments. Farmers are frustrated, concerned and anxious to stop this menacing pest before more damage is done.

The problem is disturbing, but it is more distressing to read claims that farmers are responsible for the outbreak because of past management practices. There is no evidence that the severity of the infestation is due to past chemical use or monoculture agriculture.

Farmers prefer non-chemical controls. In fact, California agriculture leads the movement to reduce chemical use in food production.

Opportunists who seek to further their own programs using hasty assumptions and no research add nothing but emotion to the debate over this perplexing and vexing entomological phenomenon. That path will not help eradicate the pest any quicker. Developing a better understanding of the pest and its natural enemies will.