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PANUPS: Methyl Bromide Update
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P A N U P S
***
Pesticide Action Network
North America
Updates Service
http://www.panna.org/panna/
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August 2, 1996
Methyl Bromide Update: Ozone Depletion Worsens, Use Increases
in California, Federal Indictment of Sun-Diamond Growers
Developments at the state, national and international level
related to the ozone-depleting pesticide methyl bromide have
been in the news during the past few months.
*A recent report indicates that ultraviolet (UV) radiation
has increased over large regions of the Earth in the past 15
years, according to new research published in Geophysical
Research Letters. The report is based on data from a NASA
satellite that monitors world ozone levels. Stratospheric
ozone protects the surface of the Earth from UV radiation,
which causes skin cancer and cataracts in humans. Increases
in UV exposure were greatest in the middle and high
latitudes, where most people live and where most agriculture
is carried out, according to Dr. Jay Herman, an atmospheric
scientist at NASA. United Nations scientists estimate that
methyl bromide is responsible for approximately 5 to 10% of
worldwide ozone depletion. In early 1995, 295 atmospheric
scientists concluded that eliminating methyl bromide is the
most significant remaining action governments can take to
prevent future ozone loss.
In addition, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
reported record low ozone layer levels due to continued ozone
depletion. In March, the WMO recorded 20 to 30% ozone loss
over certain areas of the northern hemisphere, including
parts of Scandinavia, Great Britain and Siberia. WMO
scientists reported that the Antarctic ozone hole exceeded 20
million square kilometers for over 40 days from August to
December 1995 -- the longest lasting ozone hole ever
recorded.
* In California, the state Department of Pesticide Regulation
(DPR) released new data documenting an increase in methyl
bromide use across the state. In its "Annual Pesticide Use
Report," DPR reports that farmers in California used
approximately 17 million pounds of methyl bromide in 1994
(the latest year for which data is available), a 15% increase
>from the 14.8 million pounds used in 1993.
DPR's data indicate that California farmers used the largest
amount of methyl bromide on strawberries, over four million
pounds in 1994 or 24% of statewide totals. Additional
California crops using large amounts of the pesticide were
wine grapes (1.5 million pounds), carrots (1.3 million
pounds), almonds (893,000 pounds) and outdoor container
plants (865,000 pounds). Methyl bromide was also used on a
wide range of other California crops in 1994 including table
grapes, lettuce, peaches, peppers and walnuts.
* In June 1996, a U.S. federal grand jury indicted Sun-
Diamond Growers of California. The grand jury found that Sun-
Diamond Growers gave illegal gifts and campaign contributions
to former Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy and sought the
U.S. Department of Agriculture's help in delaying a U.S. ban
on methyl bromide, which is scheduled to begin in January
2001 under the Clean Air Act. Sun-Diamond, California's third
largest agriculture co-operative, markets Sun-Maid raisins,
Diamond walnuts, Sunsweet prunes and other products, many of
which use methyl bromide for soil fumigation or for post-
harvest treatment.
The charges stem from an 18 month investigation of Espy, who
resigned as Agriculture Secretary in late 1994. The
indictment includes charges of illegal gratuities and wire
fraud, as well as illegal campaign contributions to Espy's
brother. The charges are punishable by over US$3 million in
fines. Sun Diamond has denied all charges.
In a related development, a study by the Environmental
Working Group indicates that three political action
committees associated with Sun Diamond gave nearly $100,000
in campaign contributions to 29 U.S. Senators and Members of
Congress from November 1992 to April 1996. The EWG report
documents efforts by Sun-Diamond and other food industry
lobbyists to influence national pesticide legislation and
overturn existing food-safety laws.
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, August 2, 1996. World
Meteorological Organization, "Stronger Ozone Decline
Continues," Press Release, March 12, 1996. California
Department of Pesticide Regulation, 1994 Annual Pesticide Use
Report, Indexed by Chemical, May 1996. Environmental Working
Group, "Pay to Spray: Campaign Contributions and Pesticide
Legislation," June 1996. San Francisco Chronicle, June 14,
1996.
Contact: PANNA
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