Help farmers transition to a post-chemical world

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has directed the state Department of Environmental Conservation to immediately ban aerial applications of chlorpyrifos and eventually institute a complete ban of the pesticide. That’s a good thing, because in case no one noticed, agriculture is trending toward natural and sustainable alternatives to chemicals as consumers reject genetically enhanced foods.

Numerous studies have conclusively shown that exposure to chlorpyrifos — widely used on apple trees and evergreen trees in the Christmas season, as well as some fruits and green vegetables — can stunt brain development, especially in young children and fetuses in the womb.

Under Cuomo’s direction, the DEC will immediately ban the use of aerial spray to apply chlorpyrifos, which is believed to be the most dangerous because the chemical can drift to nearby homes, schools and workplaces. By December 2020, the DEC will ban the pesticide for all uses with the exception of spraying apple tree trunks. By July 2021, chlorpyrifos will be completely banned for all uses.

Banning a pesticide is a serious action, but Cuomo’s order lacks one vital ingredient. The state has to support farmers through the transition to safer methods of pest control. Organic agriculture is increasingly popular in New York, where farmers are able to farm without chlorpyrifos, but not all farms are organic and not all of them can afford a quick transformation.

We are entering a post-chemical world. Pressure for less chemical-intensive farming is coming from retailers like Walmart, non-governmental organizations and consumers, who are throwing more dollars toward organic and other niche foods with environmental or animal welfare claims, according to a report on The Washington Post News Service.

Farmers have to be ready, and the governor is on the right track, but the state can’t leave them swinging in the wind as they fully prepare for an agricultural sea change.