State Law to Protect Farmworkers

A Bill for the People, by the People

By Victor Torres  

 Across California, agriculture makes up a sizable portion of the state’s economy, raking in billions for corporations and ranchers. Alongside that comes some of the largest amounts of pesticides applied in the nation. More specifically, the largest quantities of pesticides are applied to crops grown in the Central Valley and on the Central Coast of California. Not only are all the largest quantities applied in these areas, but these regions also have the highest concentrations of pesticide exposure cases. Pesticide exposure is linked to everything from skin rashes to cancer. For the longest time, the people on the frontline of the widespread issue of pesticide harm have simply been ignored when voicing their concerns. Little has been done by state regulators to protect them. However, now a bill has been proposed to bring those long-ignored voices to the table and give them the ability to decide what is best for their health and the health of their communities.

State Legislation Proposed

AB 652 is a bill that was introduced by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose) in February of 2023, which would require the Department of Pesticide Regulation to create an Environmental Justice Advisory Committee. As per information on the Assemblymember’s official website, the advisory committee would consist of “...community members most impacted by pesticides including Native American tribes and socioeconomically disadvantaged farmers.” More importantly, the EJAC (Environmental Justice Advisory Committee) would bring voices to the table from the front lines of pesticide exposure to discuss the topic of pesticides and how to better protect communities heavily affected by pesticides with state lawmakers. The Bruins Eye spoke with Californians for Pesticide Reform Organizing Director Mark Weller about the impact of pesticides in our state. Weller explains that one of the main problems preventing the protection of communities affected by heavy pesticide exposure is the existing limitations on local governments. Weller elaborates: “Local government is extremely limited regarding mediating the problem of pesticides, they simply cannot tell growers what to do with it.” With such little power locally, even communities who want to protect their populations are hindered from acting. And with a lack of resources, there are no other local places for the afflicted to go to for advocacy.

The Origins and History of Pesticides

According to the World Health Organization, “Pesticides are chemical compounds that are used to kill pests... and unwanted weeds.” Taking a further look, the WHO also states that, “By their nature, pesticides are potentially toxic to other organisms, including humans.” By definition, these chemicals should not be anywhere near our crops and especially our people. In fact, damage to humans was their original intent, as these chemical compounds were designed as a weapon of war. The modern version of pesticides was developed by Fritz Haber, who was also responsible for helping develop chlorine gas in World War 1 and Zyklon B, one of many gases used in the Holocaust to claim the lives of millions of people.

    Many in our community recall the story of Cesar Chavez and one of his most well-known acts of protest: the boycott against grapes. However, what is not widely known is the reason behind it. Chavez fought for workers' rights, yes, but a specific right was, you guessed it, protection from pesticides. In 1988, Chavez partook in his final fast which would last thirty-six days, in which he peacefully protested the use of pesticides on grapes. His protest, now thirty-five years old, shows how far back pesticides have been a problem within our state. Not only have they been a problem in agricultural fields and to the workers tending to them, but pesticides have historically harmed the many communities that live around agriculture as well.

   Many agricultural communities tend to be majority Latino or lower-income. These communities have some of the highest rates of children born with disabilities or worse, and alarming rates of cancer too. When asked about where he had seen the worst effects of pesticides, United Farm Workers (UFW) member and local leader Juan Manuel Mora tells our reporters, “MacFarland and other cities in the Central Valley had cases of deformed children due to pesticides, which I was shown first-hand when I was there.” Mora further adds, “Pesticides were particularly bad in the Central Valley during that time [1980], but because of the UFW and Cesar’s work, more and more people were informed on its dangers...” What are some of the other problems they

[pesticides] entail? Mora told The Bruins Eye, “Not only are they dangerous because of potential exposure, but also due to contamination of the crop they’re used on, as well as the environment around it.” These chemicals' effects have also been particularly brutal on the environment, with many being shown to contaminate local water supplies and the soil in their vicinity.

A History of False Promises and Ignorance

After interviewing several people with a heavy background in the pesticide reform movement, a conclusion can be drawn; pesticides have long been a problem in the state of California. More specifically, they have been a problem for low-income Latino communities throughout the state. Not only that, but DPR has a track record of providing inadequate information and being complacent towards the poisoning of these communities. This governing agency, built with the intent to protect residents from such toxins, has had no problem ignoring the rampant and destructive use of pesticides. The money of industrial giants such as Monsanto and Dow Chemical, two of the largest pesticide companies, have spoken far louder than the voices of the people DPR is meant to serve. Besides the failure of the government to protect its own residents, the use of these chemicals has also been normalized as just another part of feeding a country. The Bruin’s Eye asked Asha Sharma, the Organizing Co-director of Pesticide Action Network, what she thought some of the problems pesticides posed were. “Pesticides are normalized in conventional agriculture” stated Sharma, she then further added, “They are simply part of a bigger problem, in which there is more focus on profit over people.” Sharma acknowledged that DPR has for far too long brushed aside the concerns of people affected by pesticide exposure and is much more willing to listen to agribusiness representatives, many of which are older white men, who happen to be nowhere near the frontlines of the problem. When asked what exactly this bill would do in the way of bringing community to the table, Sharma stated, “Not only would this bill require DPR to hold in-person meetings with the affected communities and its residents, but it would also be far more practical for people.” A key aspect of this bill is its accessibility for communities, which happen to be mostly Latino agricultural workers and the time that most works for them. A reporter at The Bruins Eye was present for an online DPR hearing regarding new state regulations for a pesticide called 1-3 dichloropropene, more commonly known by its brand name Telone, earlier this year. It was noted by them that not only was the timing for the event already conflicting enough, as many field workers or other concerned residents were just beginning to get off work at that time, but that it also was challenging for community members to even access that meeting.

A Promising Update  

As of September 20th, 2023, AB 652 passed Senate and is now awaiting a signature from Governor Newsom. The bill, having made it to the governor’s desk, marks a big step on the path to environmental justice. Moreover, it is a much more significant action in terms of racial justice. Communities of color have historically been ignored by officials in positions meant to ensure their safety and by most of the nation and media outlets. Now, they will be able to have their concerns voiced to officials, by people who share experiences like them.