The Pesticide Control Board of the Ministry of Blue and Green Economy, Agriculture, and National Food Security is undertaking a number of activities to mark the annual observance of Pesticide Awareness Week which commenced yesterday, September 26th, 2022.
This year, the theme chosen by the Coordinating Groups of Pesticide Control Boards of the Caribbean is “Pesticides are harmful to HEALTH and the ENVIRONMENT! Reduce the use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides!”.
The activities will run from September 26th – 30th, 2022.
What does the theme mean to the sector locally?
The theme is of great importance not only to the sector but to the country. Pesticides are not only used in agriculture but also within households and businesses and the idea of reducing the use of these highly hazardous pesticides will be beneficial to all sectors. It offers people the opportunity to look at alternatives such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). As a country securing food is a priority and so, producing wholesome food as free from pesticides as possible is crucial as possible.
What is the definition of an HHP?
According to World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Harmonized System Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).
“Highly Hazardous Pesticides are pesticides that present particularly high levels of acute or chronic hazards to health and the environment”.
The Ministry of the Blue and Green Economy Agriculture and National Food Security has worked and continues to work with farmers, importers, retailers, and all involved in pesticides management. One of our priority areas is sensitizing and training farmers on the importance of using less harmful chemicals in the production of food.
The Ministry is collaborating with the Dominica Bureau of Standards to ensure that periodical testing is conducted on Fresh Produce to determine the Maximum Residue Levels to safe local consumption and exports.
A series of activities is planned to mark this observance to include radio programmes, schools outreach activities and demonstration workshops. A demonstration session will be conducted on the 27th of September 2022 at the Woodford Hill Agricultural Station in collaboration with the Project Management Unit of the Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project focusing on the safe use of pesticides for farm propagation workers and farmers from the North East Agricultural Region.
All activities are being conducted in collaboration with various departments such as the Ministry of Health Wellness, New Health Investments and the Ministry of Education.
Pesticides have a very deleterious effect on our health. It’s a very serious problem not only in Dominica but throughout most of the Caribbean region.
The prevalence of cancer in our region is a direct consequence of the food we consume. Too many farmers use pesticides wantonly on the crops they grow. Some of the residue of these chemicals we inadvertently and unknowingly consume.
The use or overuse of pesticides in Dominica should not be taken casually. It should be of grave concern to ALL. Organic farming involves more work but is much safer and desirable.