Editorial

Maine Takes Two Steps Toward Pesticide Use Reduction

This spring marked two major milestones in pesticides regulation in Maine. The first was the release of a report on pesticides sales and use in Maine that, while still in need of much more work, is already far more comprehensive than previous reports and reveals far greater quantities of pesticides on our land, in our air, and, ultimately, leaching into our waters than ever thought before. The second is the preliminary approval of a regulation that would require all Maine schools to adopt integrated pest management and give some form of notice to parents about pesticide applications.

The new pesticides sales data report was released in March, thanks to the dogged persistence of Senator John Nutting and other members of the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee, and the great effort and long hours dedicated by BPC staffer Julie Chizmas. It discloses a likelihood that at least between 4 and 6 million pounds of pesticide active ingredient were sold for use in Maine in 2000. This is two to three times the previous, 1995 estimates, which were limited to forestry and agriculture and probably were based on incomplete data. The new figures work out to as much as 3 pounds of active ingredient per non-forested acre in Maine.

The Legislature should move rapidly to invest the resources necessary to periodically update this report and improve its usefulness, by more reporting requirements for industry and by separating pesticide sales data by sector of use. This information should provide both inspiration and hard data necessary to move the state, through its newly authorized Integrated Pest Management Council, toward a meaningful program of pesticide reduction.

Secondly, by a forceful turnout at public hearings to be held on June 26 and 27, or through letters to the Board of Pesticides Control, Mainers have an opportunity to speak out for regulations that could have a real impact on reducing if not eliminating exposure of school children to toxic pesticides in schools.

These are two promising, long awaited developments in an overly toxic world.

--Sharon Tisher
Chair, MOFGA Public Policy Committee

Chew Greens, Eschew Herbicides

Dandelion Bruschetta

Cut a collander-full of young dandelion greens (second growth after mowing is fine). Wash the greens and shake out the excess water. In a large skillet put, in this order: about 4 Tbsp. olive oil, 1 tsp. or less sea salt, 5 pressed garlic cloves, greens, and 8 oz. mozzarella, diced. Cover and heat gently, stirring occasionally, until all is wilted, melted and mixed. Serve on top of crisply toasted slices of French bread.

--Sharon Tisher