Resist Pesticide Poisoning
Join the fight against toxic pesticides harming our communities. Watch the Town Hall and help us all raise awareness on this crucial issue!
Oxygen, water, food, and shelter—our fundamental elements essential for human survival—are at risk. In a world inundated with distressing news, it’s crucial to remember that many unseen threats are jeopardizing our future. Our government and politicians, influenced by corporate lobbyists, prioritize profit over the well-being of the people.
From Palestine to pesticide use, it is our responsibility to raise awareness and engage in dialogue about the issues threatening our communities. As Omar Dieguez shared in a public statement:
“Enough is enough. For too long, you have poisoned our community with toxic pesticides that harm our farmworkers, immigrant and Indigenous families, our youth, and all of Pajaro Valley. You are contaminating our water, land, oceans, and the very air we breathe. This must stop now.”
Read more in the Good Times.
Town Hall Discussion
At our town hall on September 13th, we welcomed Yanley Martinez as well as Omar Dieguez and Providence Alaniz, who are currently on a hunger strike. They are committed to raising awareness about the hidden but dangerous effects of toxic pesticides, which are linked to increasing cancer rates and other health risks affecting our children, families, and neighbors.
Our discussion explored various dimensions of pesticide use, including:
Its link to environmental racism
The hurdles of transitioning to organic farming
The necessity for air quality monitoring
The call for legislative reform
Challenges and Community Action
Tackling these issues is not without its challenges. Pesticides are tied to major chemical corporations, corporate lobbying, and even the military-industrial complex, as noted by a participant during the Q&A session. Despite these dangers, Omar and Providence are committed to raising awareness through their hunger strike. Their actions have drawn media attention, and Omar has been sharing his message with students directly affected by these issues. The students responded by asking how they could help spread awareness and protect their families.
Yanley, Omar, and Providence shared stories of families harmed by pesticide exposure. Their focus is on Driscoll's, one of the largest berry producers globally, urging the company to implement organic practices, especially in fields near homes and schools.
Transitioning to Organic Farming
We also discussed the challenges faced by farmers wanting to transition to organic farming, particularly the requirement to leave fields fallow for three years. Providence shared her family's struggles, emphasizing the need for federal and state support, including subsidies and legislation, to facilitate this transition.
Call to Action
Community action is vital. Here are essential steps you can take:
Boycott Driscoll's strawberries and educate the public about the dangers of pesticide use near schools.
Sign the petition and help raise awareness at: Farmworker Family's CORA
Email Driscoll’s urging them to go organic near schools: Contact Driscoll’s
Email California Giant Berry Farms urging them to go organic near schools: California Giant Contact
Stay Informed
Stay alert to chemical sprays: SprayDays California (you can input up to ten addresses).
Learn more about pesticide use: California Pesticide Reform
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SPREAD THE WORD!