NGO calls for ban on use of chemicals in food production

CEBU CITY, Oct. 7 (PNA) – A non-government organization wants the Department of Agriculture (DA) to stop implementing food production programs that require chemicals that are dangerous to health. Estrella Flores-Catarara, executive director of Farmers Development Center (Fardec), said it seems DA has become an agent to promote poisonous pesticides manufactured by multinational firms. Catarara said the firms that manufacture chemicals and fertilizers endorsed by DA are only for profit and they do not care about how many people die of cancer and other diseases. She said agricultural chemical Endosulfan, which is being used by big plantation owners like Dole Philippines, has been banned in other countries since 1994 but is still sold in the Philippines. ”The government must promote organic farming rather than chemical-based... [read full story]