Alice Ren, Avanti Golikeri, Jen Alsen, Kelsey Jarboe, Emily LoPiccolo
Though their affects may at times go by unnoticed, pesticides and herbicides do have a devastating affect on the
ecosystem, and on the organisms that depend on that ecosystem to live. Humans are included in those organisms that are
affected by pesticides, and there are many instances around the world where pesticides have caused serious illnesses or defects.
Clearly, it is prudent to move cautiously when discussing the possibility of a large, commercial, pesticide-using farm to
be built right next to the homes of the citizens of Fremont.
We, the Organic Farmers of Fremont, oppose the construction of a 10, 000 acre farm for three main reasons:
1) The use of pesticides by ConFarm is unsustainable due to the fact that after continued use of pesticides, the effects
of the pesticides diminish and the effective crop yield decreases. This phenomenon is called the Pesticide Treadmill.
2) The negative effects on the ecosystem which disrupt the natural balance and may impact the populations of vital species
in the community.
3) The possibility for large-scale accidents or contamination that will undoubtedly cause widespread adverse health affects
for the residents of Fremont.
In contrast to the type of agriculture supported by those at Confarm, the Organic Farmers of Fremont advocate a system
of sustainable agriculture. This includes:
- planting alternative crops that attract the pests away from the target crop
- allowing the surrounding forest or other natural environment interact with the farmland to encourage natural predator
and prey interation
- spraying pesticides only when the level of pests exceeds an economic injury threshold at which the benefit of taking action
is greater than the cost of that action
In short, we advocate Integrated Pest Management, where if pesticides and herbicides must be used, they are used sparingly
and only when they are sorely needed.
After all, we all share the land and space on Earth, and no one wants a destroyed ecosystem or toxic substances in their
backyard. The question boils down to one of responsibility. Are we going to take the initiative and clean up after
ourselves? Or are we going to choose to ignore the harm we are inflicting on ourselves?
The Organic Farmers of Fremont wish to maintain a productive and clean Fremont and thus advise the town to reject ConFarm's
proposal to build a farm adjacent to the town.
