Abstract
The paper relates that pesticides have been used for decades as a way of eliminating pests in order to protect crops. The paper discusses how many critics have called for stopping the use of pesticides because of perceived dangers. The paper maintains that some forms of pesticide may be needed to protect the crops and add to the yield, but reducing the use of pesticides as much as possible is better for the environment and for the consumer in the long run.

From the Paper
"Americans largely accept the use of pesticides because they are told that pesticides are safe, though the sheer volume of pesticides used each year can be alarming as more than two million pounds of these poisons are added to the environment annually. These chemicals are found not only on food but in the water supply, with one of every ten drinking water wells in the U.S. affected along with thousands of lakes, rivers, and waterways across the country. The primary source of water pollution in the country is agriculture. At least 38 percent of the food supply contains pesticide residues, and many food items may have more than one pesticide, and as many as twelve (Meyerhoff, 1993, para. 8)."

Tags:chemicals, poisons, residues, crops, yields, pests, environment

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses the use of pesticides in agriculture in California and examines whether pesticides should or should not be used, noting that pesticides have been used for decades as a way of eliminating certain pests in order to protect crops, though many critics have also emerged to call for stopping the use of pesticides because of various perceived dangers. The writer discusses that organic farming has developed as a response, meaning farming which does not use pesticides or other additives so that the food produced is free of such added substances. The writer maintains that arguments can be made on both sides, though the clearest argument can be made for the judicious use of pesticides in order to protect crops while not harming the consumer, with great care taken through testing and monitoring to assure that the pesticides used do no harm.

From the Paper
"Pesticides have been used for decades as a way of eliminating certain pests in order to protect crops, though many critics have also emerged to call for stopping the use of pesticides because of various perceived dangers. Organic farming has developed as a response, meaning farming which does not use pesticides or other additives so that the food produced is free of such added substances. Arguments can be made on both sides, though the clearest argument can be made for the judicious use of pesticides in order to protect crops while not harming the consumer, with great care taken through testing and monitoring to assure that the pesticides used do no harm."

Tags:pesticides, agriculture, residue

Abstract
The paper argues that pesticide use should be cut back dramatically in America because of the dangers they present to human health and the environment. The paper reveals the risk of illnesses that include cancer, neurological diseases and cognitive dysfunctions and describes the damage to ecosystems. The paper asserts that although pesticides are useful at eliminating destructive pests and can certainly boost food production, they cause more harm than good. The paper then looks at ways in which pesticide use can be reduced without unduly compromising agricultural productivity.

From the Paper
"The first argument to be raised in objection to the widespread use of pesticides is the legitimate threat these products present to human beings. A recent study released by the Ontario College of Family Physicians in Canada found - after carefully reviewing 250 studies from around the world - that repeated exposure to pesticides, be they "occupational" pesticides for farm use or home-and-garden pesticides, raised the risk of illnesses ranging from cancer to neurological diseases; habitual exposure to these chemicals, it was also determined, heightened the likelihood of reproductive problems, as well."

Tags:chemicals, ecosystems, illness, pests

Abstract
This paper explains that, in their haste to introduce market reforms and efficiencies into their antiquated agricultural systems, many emerging nations have sacrificed their environment and citizens' health in exchange for some well-intentioned but misguided short-term gains in productivity. The author points out that past agricultural practices were based on tradition and spiritual concepts; however, many emerging nations have succeeded in overcoming these constraints through innovative policies and initiatives. The paper stresses that modern western agricultural practices rely heavily on heavy and expensive equipment as well as industrial pesticides and fertilizers to wrench continued high yields from the soil are not readily transferable to many emerging nations.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Existing Agricultural Practices in China Today
Innovative and Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Current and Future Trends
What Can Be Done?
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Within rural sociology, sustainable agriculture is frequently considered to be a mutually exclusive "competing paradigm" that challenges conventional agriculture on environmental, economic and ideological grounds. As a result, much of the research on identifying sustainable agricultural practices has been focused on understanding the characteristics which differentiate conventional and alternative farmers, as well as the conditions that serve to constrain or facilitate the development of alternative practices and ways of thinking among farmers and agriculture more generally. For example, researchers have examined a variety of farmer and farm attributes such as age, education, orientation to risk, perception of environmental problems, farm size, and profitability; the impact of agricultural markets and prices and state policies, programs and services have also been examined extensively."

Tags:antiquated, short-term, characteristics, resources, non-transferable

Abstract
This paper discusses the use of pesticides, focusing on the effects caused the environment. The paper describes pesticides as chemical substances that are used to control pests. The benefits and risks of using these substances are examined in this paper. The risks mentioned include social and environmental consequences. The paper presents various facts concerning pesticides, outlines the major hazards involved and distinguishes between different groups of pesticide.

From the Paper
"Managing pests, such as weeds, insects, plant diseases, and nematodes, has been on of the greatest challenges in both agricultural and nonagricultural environments throughout history. Mainstream use of synthetic pesticides in the United States began shortly after the World War II, during a time of significantly increasing crop production. Since the 1950's, American agriculture has relied heavily on pesticides, dumping 30 billion pounds of pesticide into the environment."

Tags:agriculture, weeds, insects, nematodes, plants, diseases, crops

Abstract
Several years ago, the public affairs and news television program 60 Minutes on the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) televised a segment concerning the use of the pesticide Alar on apples by producers in the State of Washington. The implication of the report, if not directly charged in the presentation, was that the pesticide could be dangerous to human health and that the apple producers had failed to warn consumers.

From the Paper
"AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS DEFAMATION LAWS: AN ETHICAL ASSESSMENT

Introduction
This research examines agricultural products defamation laws. These laws are assessed from an ethical basis.

Development of the Issue
Several years ago, the public affairs and news television program 60 Minutes on the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) televised a segment concerning the use of the pesticide Alar on apples by producers in the State of Washington. The implication of the report, if not directly charged in the presentation, was that the pesticide could be dangerous to human health and that the apple producers had failed to warn consumers. Apple sales did suffer in the wake of the telecast of the segment on 60 Minutes. The apple producers in the State of Washington ..."

Abstract
This paper discusses the nature and extent of pesticide victimization among farm workers in California. It addresses the short-term and chronic effects of workers being exposed to pesticides, and reviews the treatment and prevention efforts that may be effective in minimizing this form of environmental victimization. The paper includes a literature review on the subject and suggests that future research should be carried out in the future when more complete and sophisticated data are available.

Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology
Results
Conclusion

From the Paper
''Since the publication of Silent Spring (Carson, 1962), considerable attention has been devoted to the effects of pesticides, most notably the banning of DDT in the U.S. Federal legislation provided for the monitoring and evaluation of pesticides and their effects on human health and the environment (Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act of 1972, amendments to the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act in 1975, 1978, and 1988). Yet, in spite of this apparent progress, farm workers in the U.S., who are the most affected by pesticides continue to be neglected (Moses, 1993).
''Agriculture accounts for 80% of pesticide use. Over time, in spite of increasing knowledge and awareness about the effects of pesticides on human health, their application has increased exponentially. Indeed, compared with the 32 pesticide products registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1939 (Moses, 1993), there were more than 865 registered by 1999 (EPA, 1999). Pesticide use--specifically, the use of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and nematicides--has more than quadrupled since the mid-1940s (Moses, 1993).''

Tags:agriculture, fungicides, environmental

Abstract
This paper explains that, although supporters of genetically modified agriculture claim that it increases crop yield, increases the nutritional content in the food and decreases the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers; there are several concerns about the negative effects of this practice, especially for the Third World. The author points out that a major problem of genetically modified crops being used in the Third World is its cost for the seeds, which means that small farmers need to indenture to big firms, and, once genetically modified framing is used, soil nutrients are exhausted drastically and it becomes difficult to return to traditional farming with limited fertilizing. The paper urges that, while agricultural biotechnology is still young, the benefits and the risks of genetically modified agriculture should be considered more thoroughly especially its effect on the Third World even though this area suffers from lack of highly nutritional food.

From the Paper
"Some people, especially children, are highly allergic to certain types of foods like peanuts. According to Wesley Burks, the Chief of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, allergic reactions to genetically modified food are usually limited to the skin and respiratory tract. Symptoms include urticaria, angioedema, pharyngeal edema, wheezing, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Genetically modified foods may accidentally introduce a new allergen because modern technology makes genes possibly be introduced to totally dissimilar species, for example a cow gene can be put into a plant. Dr. Martha R. Herbert, a pediatric neurologist said that "with genetic engineering, familiar foods could become metabolically dangerous or even toxic." It is true that if the crop itself is not toxic or dangerous, it could still upset the complex biochemical networks and create new bioactive compounds or change the concentrations of those normally present."

Tags:allergy, wildlife, costs, traditional, indenture

Abstract
This paper promotes organic produce as opposed to genetically engineered products, citing that organic produce offers a healthier, more natural source of nutrients benefiting the human body and the world. First, the paper defines organic food. Then, it discusses the shirt that was made toward genetically engineered agriculture, highlighting the involvement of corporations such as Monsanto. It also addresses the uncertainty with regards to health of genetically altered crops. Various studies are noted that link pesticides to illness and birth defects. The paper concludes by calling for a return to simple and healthy methods of food production.

From the Paper
"High into the Andes Mountains, the Incas struggled cultivating their land for agriculture. Half a century ago, pesticides and genetic modification didn't exist. Due to the altitude, Inca crops barely grew in surpluses. Instead of resorting to chemicals, like we do today, the Incas adapted to the environment. As a means of combating their inability to grow sufficient quantities of food, the Incas grew their crops in tiny clumps across the terrain. Strewn around the mountains were patches of a vast harvest (Pollan, Botany 193). Aesthetically, the land was ugly and messy, but the quantity produced was unexpectedly impressive (Pollan, Botany 192). How is it that centuries old cultures know how to naturally domesticate the land better than we do today? You would think that with the abundance of technology we have access to we'd trump the Incas in agriculture. Yet, technology brings us one step back rather than one step forward; while, communities in Africa are advancing their agriculture organically."

Tags:organic, pesticides, genetic engineering, food science, bioterrorism

Abstract
This paper studies the connection between agriculturally-based land pollution, such as from herbicides and pesticides, and contaminated water. The paper presents research studies and statistics that indicate that this is the most significant and damaging source of water pollution. The paper also looks at the impact of water diversion through damning for irrigation projects. The paper concludes by discussing the international ramifications of land-based water pollution.

From the Paper
"Rachel Carson, in her landmark book "Silent Spring" was the first to discover the pollution and contamination of land as well as water by insecticides. These chemicals are absorbed in the earth, and then run off into water- lakes or rivers and streams, and eventually into the oceans. The most recent catastrophe on Chesapeake Bay which contaminated almost the entire shrimp and scallop crop was presumed to have been caused by a chemical spill which began a "fouling" process that was like a fatal domino effect. From the pristine water, of the Bay it then ran off into nearby farmland, not only damaging crops, but also polluting one of the largest poultry producing areas in the country."

Tags:environment, farming, damn, river, drinking, water, diversion, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, crops