As Trump’s EPA abandons protections, Farmworker communities call on California to ban brain-harming chlorpyrifos

On Cesar Chavez Day, California’s farmworker communities and allies are honoring his spirit by demanding that Governor Brown step up to enact a statewide ban of the brain-harming organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos, in light of the expected failure of the US EPA to follow through on its proposed ban. Chlorpyrifos is a potent neurotoxin, and exposure to even tiny amounts is linked to autism, ADHD, IQ loss, and neurological, respiratory, and developmental health harms. Already banned for home use in 2000, the pesticide is used in huge quantities in California, especially on orange, walnut and almond groves. Since 2010, a yearly average of 27,708 pounds were used in Monterey County alone.

After exhaustive scientific review, the EPA declared the chemical unsafe to use in any amount, and proposed a revocation of all food tolerances, which amounts to a total ban. The ban was scheduled to be announced on March 31. However, the hostility to environmental regulation demonstrated by the US EPA under the Trump Administration has cast serious doubt on the ban. Therefore, California must step up and end the state’s use of chlorpyrifos – more than 1.3 million pounds a year, roughly 20% of the national total.


WHERE: Historic Monterey County Jail
142 W Alisal Street
Salinas, CA 93901

Between cross streets Capitol and Church
Please do not park in Government Center Visitors Lot
(There is plenty of parking on cross streets off of W Alisal)

Events also in: Fresno (Fresno County) and Visalia (Tulare County)

WHEN: Friday March 31, 12:00 pm

WHO: Speakers include:
· Cesar Lara, Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council
· Lauro Barajas, Regional Director of the United Farm Workers
· Dr. Ann López, Executive Director of the Center for Farmworker Families
· Carole Erickson and Charisse Yenko, Registered Nurses
· Oscar Ramos, President of Salinas Elementary Teachers Council

SPANISH: Spanish speakers will be available for interview

VISUALS: Banners, signs, United Farm Worker flags, large assembled crowd with children


Safe Ag Safe Schools
Californians for Pesticide Reform
http://facebook.com/SafeAgSafeSchools