christine - i don't know if i qualify as a farmer, though i think
of myself as one. ours is a small family concern. however, it's
large enough to bring me into contact with many of the concerns
you have addressed. i am very sensitive to most chemicals and have
a difficult time with many aspects of farming as a result, but
peaches with brown-rot are unuseable, and without spraying; that's
the result. i spoke with a 60ish ex-peach grower the other day who
has breathing problems as a result of his years of spraying and an
aunt-by-marriage told me of her uncle who carries an oxegyn tank
from his work in the orchards. but he's still out there, it's his
job. my grandfather died of skin-cancer after his years in the sun.
he began having spots removed in his forties, but it didn't get him
until he was 84. and the spring before his death, he was in the
fields with a mule and a plow. i say this to point out that farmers
are well aware of the dangers, and in working with pesticides they
are much more exposed than the consumer. as with many things, the
years of use have brought to light and convinced many skeptics of
the hazards. it is in the best interest of the farmer, and imo most
of them know this, to continue to work to find the best and safest
ways to grow a crop. but it is the farmer's job to provide food
for our tables and with that comes difficult disisions.
geez, that was quite a spiel for me. i hope i didn't sound
pompous<g>.
anyway, i would enjoy discussing this more.
jp
p.s. read up on no-till farming if you have time.... |
