Switzerland is holding a referendum over whether or not to ban synthetic pesticides. Environmentalists, are battling the powerful lobby of farmers and agrochemical companies over the issue.
The pesticide issue has been simmering for some time with the public concern increasing.
But the farm lobby, has been vocal in its opposition to the anti-pesticide campaign and the referendum.
Agri-chemical giants Syngenta and Bayer have been promoting the benefits of pesticides online and on social media, while the Swiss government has urged the public to vote ‘no’ to any ban.
The Swiss Farmers’ Union says if the referendum says ‘no’ to pesticdes, it will cause a drop in Swiss food production and result in imports increasing to compensate plus a rise in food prices. Farmers have moved to reduce pesticide use and synthetic pesticide use in Switzerland has dropped 40% in the last decade.
But pesticides harm insects directly as well as indirectly through toxins. The food chain is disrupted and when insects decrease so too do the birds that feed on them.
Wind drift and rain runoff spread pesticides into rivers, lakes and other habitats and studies show extreme declines in flora and fauna near farmland where they are used.
Some pesticides are suspected of adversely affecting human health. For example, studies have shown farmers are more likely to get Parkinson’s disease and some cancers. In France, Parkinson’s disease is now recognised as an “occupational hazard” for farmers.
Nevertheless scientists question whether a ban on all synthetic pesticides is economically feasiible.
Signs are however that the public have a growing concern. Seven years ago in 2014, the citizens of an alpine village, Mals in northern Italy voted to ban all synthetic pesticide use.
Easy, just follow the money, makes the poison go round & round
I think referendums are binding on the government in Switzerland? That would be wonderful in NZ to rein in the last two governments (Key’s National government and Adern’s Labour government) both which have been disrespectful to democracy. Examples are National’s (Nick Smith) terrible ECan Act which sacked a democratically elected council and Labour/Green’s panicked, stupid firearm laws following mosque shooting. Under both government’s, select committees have become farcical, the people’s voice quietened and is being silenced.
As for pesticides and chemicals, big corporates are making money. They often donate to political parties. In that way governments come compliant to corporates. Follow the money trail. Greed triumphs people and democracy and any hope of good, responsible government.
Mankind seems hell-bent on wantonly pushing our fellow biodiversity off our planet.
And I’m talking a way bigger picture than New Zealand’s dangerous flirtation with it’s impossible, futile goal of pursuing “Predator Free 2050” (but don’t take my word for it .. see see https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/sbs/about/news/1663067-researchers-propose-alternative-to-unachievable-predator-free-2050).
Globally, we’ve caused a collapse in insect biomass (75%), measured over the past 25-30 years .. a 60% reduction in wildlife since 1970 .. 93% of the mammalian biomass on this planet is now either human, or the animals we farm (and Aerial 1080 absolutely epitomises the thinking that has been the cause).
If we’re going to try and play god .. then we must do it with a wise hand.
Aerial 1080 is a catastrophe on top of a catastrophe.
And all the while (as a flagship species), the wild Kea population continues to decline.
It is a disgrace upon our country, New Zealand.
(Which so far remains one of the better places on our planet .. despite our politicians seemingly best efforts to implement policies that undermine that status.) It really is unfathomable.
Parts per billion is a few 1 cent coins from a million dollar stack
The world needs food Organic produces less The problems with pesticides and fertilisers
is serious overuse and misuse Ban synthetic pesticides wont happen Make food complient to parts per billion Complient food is better than no food