American Agri-Women

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies!

At the recent American Agri-Women Annual Meeting in Wichita, KS, outgoing president Chris Wilson took time to reflect on the importance of food safety. According to Wilson, “American Agri-Women is comprised of women who are both growers and consumers of food. We take great pride in our role in growing food for our families and many others. We are very concerned about the mixed messages and misinformation provided to consumers. We know what it’s like to be a mom wanting the best nutrition possible for her child and not knowing what to choose at the grocery store. We hear so often how important it is to choose more fruits and vegetables, only to then be told that they are bad for our families. Recently, misinformation was presented as fact in the Environmental Working Group’s recent release of its updated ‘Dirty Dozen’ list.”

“While we recognize that many people have concerns about possible pesticide residues on the food they eat, this report is clearly designed to make people feel that their food is unsafe and that pesticide residue on foods is a hazard that people should be highly cautious about. This is not based on any real scientific evidence. Scientists who have reviewed the list and even the EWG themselves say it is not based on the risk from the foods on the list. Further, these scientists say that this “Dirty Dozen” list is actually misleading to consumers and should not be used when making purchasing decisions about fruits and vegetables.”

“We are fortunate to have access to real information and to be able to sort through the media reports on this and EWG’s report to get to the heart of the matter and the truth. Unfortunately, too many folks won’t question it because it’s “in print” and will take the information at face value. And thus, a sector of the population will unnecessarily alter their eating habits and ultimately truly jeopardize their health.”

“EWG’s list is yet another example of why 79% of toxicologists surveyed say that the EWG is guilty of over-estimating risk to consumers. EWG develops its list through manipulation of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Data Program results and the Federal Food and Drug Administration’s pesticide sampling data.”

“The EWG encourages its members to work for continued consumer access to ‘organic or low pesticide residue foods.’ Current USDA and FDA sampling data clearly shows that no or low pesticide residue foods this is exactly what consumers are receiving now in non-organic foods. The government sampling data results demonstrate that farmers aren’t just meeting the safety standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency, they are significantly exceeding those safety requirements. The crops sampled by USDA are shown to have either no residue at all or residues are 10 times to 100 times below the already stringent safety limits.”

“For consumers who may still be concerned about these very low levels of pesticide residues, they can follow the simple advice from the Federal Food and Drug Administration – just wash your fruits and vegetables. The FDA states that washing under running tap water can remove and often eliminate any minute pesticide residues that may be present. And, keep in mind, organic does not mean pesticide, herbicide or fertilizer free. Whether you choose organic or conventionally grown produce, washing is a healthful practice that should be followed prior to consuming fresh produce. Eating seasonally and buying local also helps to ensure that you are eating fresh and healthy produce.”

“What’s important to know is that food safety is something farmers take very, very seriously. After all, our families eat this food too, and we live on our farms and ranches. It is crucial that everyone in the supply chain - from farmers to consumers - is aware of and takes precautions to handle food properly, particularly when it comes to produce items that may be eaten raw.”

“Perhaps the most important advice from the government came recently with the release of the USDA’s long-awaited new food icon, MyPlate. To the applause of nutritionists and health officials, the government advises consumers to ‘fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables.’ Further underscoring the importance of this recommendation are two new studies that have shown a correlation between inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables and lower IQs and a higher incidence of behavioral disorders in children.”

“AAW members share a passion to support agriculture. We advocate for an affordable and reliable food supply that results from a healthy and vibrant agricultural industry.”

AAW is the national coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women, with 58 affiliate organizations. For more information go to www.americanagriwomen.org.