How — And Why — You Can Be A Pesticide Advocate

Why should you be an advocate for pesticides? Isn’t that looking for trouble? The Internet, TV, and magazines are full of inaccurate stories about pesticides. The public only knows what they’ve heard.

Professionals who use pesticides are in the best position to explain why they are needed, the benefits they bring, how to use them safely, and what would happen without them. Growers are considered by the public to be the most credible when talking about what happens on the farm. If knowledgeable experts don’t tell the story, who will?

People who are not involved in agriculture get most of their information about pesticides from Facebook, blogs and websites, newspapers, or TV. In the past year, the TV shows “Law & Order,” “House,” and “Bones” have all had episodes showing someone poisoned by pesticides. Those messages stick in people’s minds. Most people do not have enough background to determine how inaccurate the scenario is.

Misinformation forms public opinion. Even in supposedly credible sources like newspapers, explaining science makes for a boring article. Fear sells. Headlines are intended to grab attention.

How do we change perception? People with knowledge must speak up. Growers can explain that pesticides are not used unless needed. There are other cultural tools used to minimize the need for pesticides.

If the opportunity to speak arises because of an incident, your audience is likely to be concerned, maybe even hostile. Begin by listening, then ask enough questions to determine what they are afraid of. For example, someone may have seen a puff of smoke from a plane and think they were sprayed. Explain that the pilot was just testing wind direction.

Make A Connection

The most effective way to communicate is to establish a connection first. If you are a parent, own a dog, or have a garden, you may be able to connect through something you have in common. Sharing concerns about children may help establish trust and make it easier for your audience to hear your message. Show empathy for their concerns. Try to avoid technical terms, acronyms, and statistics. Telling someone what the LD50 of a product is will not reduce his or her anxiety. Conveying that you trust the regulatory system will.

It is important to convey that you sincerely care about the proper use of pesticides. Explain the training and testing requirements you must go through before getting a license to apply pesticides. Tell about college workshops and other events that have helped you learn about proper use and how to minimize the need for pesticides.
If you don’t know the answer to a question, offer to research it and get back to them, then follow through. Contact your sales representative, Extension specialist, or an association like mine, Washington Friends of Farms & Forests, for more information. Many people do not realize they use pesticides in everyday life. Flea collars for pets, ant bait, bathroom cleaners that control mildew, bleach, spa chemicals, even athlete’s foot remedies may contain pesticides.

Focus On Benefits

Focus on benefits of pesticide use — protecting pets and livestock from ticks, worms, fleas; protecting wildlife habitat from invasive weeds like yellow star thistle; preventing diseases like West Nile virus through mosquito control; protecting homes from termites, rats, and mice. Most importantly, pesticides allow more food to be produced on fewer acres, leaving more open space for wildlife and recreation. Crops that are free from disease and insect damage keep longer and taste better.

Explain that all pesticides must be registered by the EPA and the state before they can be sold. The registration process is similar to pharmaceutical regulation. To register a pesticide, it takes eight to 10 years and costs more than $150 million per product. Only one out of 140,000 potential products make it to the market. The process includes tests for cancer, birth defects, effects on fish and wildlife, and more.

Safety factors are added to protect children. If the product does not pass every test, it is not allowed for sale. EPA dictates what the label must say. The label specifies how much to use, when to use it, how to apply, and other restrictions. If health or safety questions arise, EPA can require more testing at any time or pull a product off the market. Explain that not following the label is against the law.

What about organics? Growers and consumers should have choices. Organics provide options. Organic growers use pesticides, too. They use natural pesticides, not synthetics. They may have to spray more often when using natural pesticides. Many synthetic pesticides are copies of natural pesticides. Pyrethrum is an insecticide that naturally occurs in chrysanthemums. Pyrethroids are the same chemical produced in a lab.

All systems have risks. Pesticides used in organic production can be hazardous if not handled carefully — sulfur, acetic acid (vinegar), copper, chlorine, iron sulfate — all are organic pesticides that are harmful to people and the environment if not handled properly.

Is natural better? In some things, yes, but not always. For example, if it is cold and raining outside, would you rather wear a cotton sweatshirt or a Gore-Tex jacket lined with synthetic fleece?

Never discount the value of your knowledge or the importance of your contribution.