Use of Pesticides in AgricultureFarmers produce plentiful food at a

reasonable price.We rightly expect our food to be safe and

nutritious.protect crops from pests, weeds and diseasesprevent rats, mice, flies and other insects

from consuming and contaminating foods when they are being stored

protect human health, by stopping crops being contaminated by harmful microbes and moulds

(http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/garden.asp?id=1347)

Pesticides pose particular problemsPesticides are designed to be toxic to living

Organisms.

Pesticides are intentionally dispersed in theenvironment.

Pesticides are often used by poorly educated and untrained individuals.

Pesticides are commonly applied to food crops and can leave residues that are consumed.

Pesticides often impact adversely on non targetorganisms that may serve important ecologicalfunctions, such as natural enemies of pests,pollinators, earth worms and birds.

(ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/010/ai551e/ai551e00.pdf)

World Health OrganizationThe WHO has proposed an "acceptable daily intake“The amount of a pesticides:

"which during an entire lifetime appears to be without

appreciable risk on the basis of all known facts at thetime"

(WHO Technical Report Series 391, World HealthOrganization, Geneva, Switzerland, (1968) p.22).

(Plimmer, p. 13)

For registration of a pesticide, studies of metabolism in plants, birds, fish, mammals, and the environment are often required.

Pesticide efficacy and safety are thus closely linked.

Efficacious use also implies economical use.

Safety and efficacy can only be ensured through continuous efforts to monitor and improve the way in which pesticides are used.

(Plimmer, p. 13)

“Let me remind you of the dramatic gains in nutrition, in farm and food production, and in health that have occurred within our lifetimes.”

-Leavitt S. White-Public Affairs Department-E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.

White Continues“It is important to recognize America's farm

and food record as one of the major success stories of the 20th century.”

“Food is abundant and dependable in terms of safety and quality.”

“These basic facts have established a solid foundation for social and human progress.”

(White, p. 90)

“Althogether the investment of six to eight years of time and up to $12 million is needed before a major new agrichemical is introduced.”

“Each successful new chemical has involved careful study, evaluation and trial”

(White, p. 91)

Works Cited:Health and Safety Executive. Chemicals

Regulation Directorate Pesticides.  Available from   http://www.nphttp://www.pesticides.gov.uk/garden. asp?id=1347s.gov/abli/.

Fiat Panis. Chemicals and Agriculture. Retrieved from http://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/010/ai551e/ai551e00.pdf

White, L.S. CHEMICALS IN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD. 90-93. Retrieved from http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/17778/1/ar760090.pdf

Plimmer, J.R. Food and Agriculture. P. 13-16 Retrieved from http://www.iaea.org/Publications/Magazines/Bulletin/Bull262/26205481316.pdf