Dangers Hidden in the New Farm Bill
The new U.S. Farm Bill will provide protections for pesticide manufacturers at the detriment of America's health. The U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee passed its version of the Farm Bill in late May. Section 10204 of the farm bill would give immunity to pesticide producers from liability lawsuits associated with any harm or adverse health effects caused by exposure to their products. Section 10205 would block state and local governments from passing laws about pesticides or requiring more disclosures on pesticide labels.
Over 40 states currently restrict pesticide use near schools because of the significant health risk. The EWG found that 4,028 elementary schools are within 200 feet of a crop field where pesticides can be sprayed. The new farm bill would prevent any jurisdictions from passing any measures to protect the health and safety of schoolchildren.
According to the 2024 lobbying disclosures, House committee head Glenn Thompson received $10,000 from the National Confectioners Assn, American Crystal Sugar, Minnesota Corn Growers Assn, and Syngenta Corp. Syngenta is one of the four largest agrochemical herbicide, insecticide, and fungicide manufacturers and is owned by ChemChina. The Senate Agriculture Committee released their framework for the new Farm Bill but have yet to vote on it. Arkansas Sen. John Boozman, the committee head, also received $20,000 from Syngenta.
You can contact your House Representatives and U.S. Senators to tell them that you don't support these measures.
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