Q. Why do farmers use pesticides?

A. Farmers rely on pesticides to protect their crops from disease and damage, and to

ensure that high quality crops will be available year-round to consumers. Pesticides control

pests such as harmful insects, molds, fungi and weeds. Many molds and fungi can cause illness

in humans; as well as damage the food. Using these crop protection products can maintain

the quality of food as well as reduce the illness from food. Many farmers are using an

agricultural practice called "Integrated Pest Management" (ISM), a system that uses the latest

agricultural technologies to control pests and other crop damage.

Q. I would like to have a garden, but my space is limited. How large an area do I need?

A. If your garden space is limited, use fences or garage walls to support trellises

for melons, cucumbersm squash, beans, and tomatoes. To keep the fruits from weighing

down the vines, make cradles of netting or pantyhose slings, or make temporary shelves

beneath heavier fruits.

Q. I realize that bug sprays and the chemicals used to control insects in my

garden and yard are pesticide products. But are there other products I use that are

pesticides and I don't know it?

A. A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for

preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest. Pests can be insects, mice and other

animals, unwanted plants, fungi, or bacteria and viruses. Some of the most commonly used

products which consumers incorrectly assume are not pesticides are kitchen, laundry and

bath disinfectants and sanitizers, some swinning pool chrmincals and products that kill mold

and mildew.

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