Protecting Food. Empowering Whistleblowers.
Protecting Food. Empowering Whistleblowers.
When most people think of Hawaii, they picture a beautiful and pristine tropical paradise. That’s what the FIC team thought too, until concerned citizen activists sought our help in exposing the improper influence of biotech companies on state legislators and officials. As it turns out, major biotech companies like BASF and Syngenta have taken an interest in Hawaii and its 365 days/year growing season. Perfect year-round weather means lots of time to conduct research and development activities on genetically engineered (GE) crops. On the island of Kauai, bountiful GE crops also mean chronic exposure to dangerous chemical pesticides, which can lead to worker injuries, birth defects, and illness.
Hawaiians are sounding the alarm on pesticide use and its effects on people and the environment. FIC is listening. A new report confirms what Kauai whistleblowers are saying. The excessive use of highly toxic pesticides that Big Biotech is using on GE crops in Kauai has made parts of the island “one of the most toxic chemical environments in all of American agriculture.”
The FIC team will be looking into whistleblower allegations and working alongside other organizations to demand truth, transparency, and accountability from corporate re-offenders. Make sure to follow our coverage of this important issue on Facebook and in upcoming blogs.
Amanda Hitt is Program Director for the Food Integrity Campaign.