PAN, Anti-chemical group rejects most modern farm technology

Pesticide Action Network North America (PAN North America), founded in 1984 in Oakland, California, is part of an international coalition of around 600 NGOs, citizens’ groups, and individuals in about 90 countries. According to Genetic Literacy project, like most anti-chemical organizations, PAN opposes the use of many modern technological innovations in farming, including the Green Revolution which combined the use of insecticides and herbicides with advances in the genetic understanding of crops to dramatically increase global food production, reduce hunger and save hundreds of millions of lives.

PAN North America says it is dedicated to creating a just, thriving food system that would replace the use of hazardous pesticides with ecologically sound and socially just alternatives. PAN claims the potential long-term harm caused will eventually outweigh any short-term benefits. It claims it is addressing growing public health concerns, and has expanded its message into a global aim to advance alternatives to pesticides worldwide.

PAN North America is opposed to the field testing and commercial cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It broadly states that GMOs “increase pesticide use” — a claim not supported by the evidence over the past 20 years, as independent meta-studies have shown a sharp decrease in overall chemical use — and has targeted Monsanto, which is not a pesticide company, as the bogey for the industry.