An August 2006 Critical Issue Report released by The Organic Center assesses the current levels of pesticide exposure in children, revealing some startling findings. Even after the ten-year implementation of the Food Quality and Protection Act (FQPA), Americas children are still grossly unprotected from the dangers of dietary pesticide exposures.

The FQPA, which was signed into law in 1996, allowed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ten years to determine that no harm will result from aggregate exposures to pesticides via dietary and other sources. As the deadline drew to a close this year, scientists examined the progress and failures of this policy, and found that the shortcomings of the FQPA were substantial, leaving younger generations particularly susceptible to the dangers of developmental toxins ingested through diets of conventionally grown foods.

The report determines that the FQPA has been effective in significantly reducing most residential and non-farm uses of high risk organophosphate insecticides, but has ultimately failed at minimizing dietary exposures to the same insecticides.

Consumers can take a proactive role in preventing further harm to the health of their children by encouraging the EPA to take stronger action to enforce the measures set by the FQPA, urging the USDA to promote the availability of organic foods through government and nutrition programs, and choosing to feed their families only organic fruits and vegetables. For more information on the report, visit the links below.

• Highlights of Critical Issue Report
• August, 9 2006 Press Release
• Full Report

The Organic Center recently named Anthony Zolezzi, a long-time organic advocate, accomplished author, entrepreneur and marketing expert as board chairman at its annual meeting in August. Zolezzi will lead the Centers latest education and consumer awareness campaign, Mission Organic 2010. His extensive experience in marketing will bring the campaign to the attention of the American public, thereby helping consumers recognize the wide-ranging benefits of an organic diet.

The Center also named noted author, pediatrician, and one of the foremost authorities on the role of nutrition in childhood development, Dr. Alan Greene, as the new board chairman-elect. Greene will work alongside Zolezzi to promote Mission Organic 2010, and will serve as media spokesperson for the campaign.

• September 15, 2006 Press Release
• Anthony Zolezzi Bio
• Dr. Alan Greene Bio

In the first of a fascinating new series of interviews, The Science of Organics: Peeling the Onion to Reach Core Truths, Zoe Helene profiles Dr. Charles Benbrook,

Zoe Helene: Why is Science so important to the Organic Movement?

Dr. Charles Chuck Benbrook: Science is important because we need solid facts and clear messaging to bring about major changes in the purchasing patterns of the average American. Clearly, there is a segment of the population that is already convinced organic foods deliver more than enough benefits to justify premium prices, but if were going to reach the majority of consumers on a daily basis, we have to give them stronger evidence of personal, as well as broader environmental and societal benefits. Read the full interview.

In March, the Center launched Mission Organic 2010, an aggressive national consumer education and outreach campaign based on the latest research. The Organic Center aims to increase organic food consumption from its current 2% to 10% of total U.S. food consumption by 2010. In setting this goal and developing a movement to integrate science and consumer-directed marketing, the Center foresees a substantial beneficial impact upon the health of the American public as well as the well-being of the planet.

• Join Mission Organic 2010!
• Mission Organic Newsletter