|
|
RISE members urged to seek dialogue with activists
18 Sep, 2007 By: Larry Aylward LM Direct!NEW ORLEANS — Debbie Edwards, director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s office of pesticide program, in a speech here in September, told members of the Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE) that “pesticides have a real and important place in society in the United States. Her message struck a welcome note with the leading producers, suppliers and distributors of fertilizers and specialty pesticides who gathered here for RISE’s annual meeting.
Edwards, who began her position in April, manages the pesticide programs under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). She told RISE members in the first few minutes of her presentation just how important pesticides and fertilizers are to Americans.
“I believe the benefits of pesticides are broad and diverse,” Edwards said. “Their benefits are experienced by all U.S. citizens every day.”
That said, Edwards pointed out that the mainstream media isn’t keen on the issue of pesticides.
“Pesticides are always, always, always in the news,” Edwards said. “And most of the times the stories are not favorable. Most of the articles I saw earlier this summer had to do with exposure of children to pesticides in and around schools.”
Edwards then delivered the key point to her keynote address. “I want to leave you with a message on what I think is the best way to get these things resolved,” she said. “But bear in mind that nothing is easy.”
She didn’t advise attendees to fashion their own activist agendas to go after those who oppose pesticides and fertilizers with a standoffish “you’re-out-of-touch-with-reality” message. Edwards advised them to do just the opposite. Seek them out and offer to sit down with them to let them know where you’re coming from, she urged. Then, in a setting that’s more conducive for all, tell them how your products are used wisely and safely to prevent harmful occurrences.
“When you bring people together and try to find a common goal, you can work your way through some of these issues,” she said.
Please send any technical comments or questions to our webmaster.