Is the Produce of Our Food System Healthful?

In a recent survey, done by the CropLife Canada Food Protection Council, 77% of Canadian women felt that the level of pesticide residue on fruit and vegetables was harmful to their health. The council, a trade organization concerned with plant science innovations, wants consumers to know that fruits and vegetables sold in Canada are safe and healthful; most contain little or no pesticide residues.

Federal regulations have set tough standards for safe levels of pesticide residue on crops and innovations in agriculture have cut the need for chemical pesticides. Many farmers use an Integrated Pest Management approach, keeping chemical pesticides to a minimum. Certified organic produce is also becoming a more competitive choice in the marketplace.

The Food Garden at the UBC Botanical Garden is pursuing certified organic status; no chemicals are used at the garden.

Links:

• Food for Thought: The truth about pesticides, food and human health from Canada NewsWire Group (CNW Group)



• CropLife Canada a Canadian advocacy group for biotechnology and the plant science industry



• Canadian Organic Growers (COG) a national information network for organic farmers, gardeners and consumers



• Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia (COABC) a government-approved body responsible for overseeing the BC Certified Organic Program

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 4:14 PM on May 18, 2005