Technology
IN FRENCH WINE INDUSTRY PESTICIDES CAUSE WORKER HEALTH PROBLEMS
FRANCE AMONG BIGGEST WINE PRODUCTIONS
FRANCE FLAG
FRANCE FLAG
French wine industry is among the biggest wine productions of the world. And to provide enough produce of grapes to make these wines is quite a challenge since grapes are susceptible to insects and diseases. Therefore, pesticide use has been widespread and it seems like it causes worker health problems.
Only 8.4% of vineyards in France are organic, making Chateau de Brau different from the large majority of French wine growing estates. France deploys around 60,000 tonnes of pesticides each year and is Europe´s most prolific user by volume. Grapes are notoriously prone to disease and pests, with large quantities of pesticides used in conventional cultivation systems, mainly through crop spraying. (HealthAim)
Only 8.4% of vineyards in France are organic, making Chateau de Brau different from the large majority of French wine growing estates. France deploys around 60,000 tonnes of pesticides each year and is Europe´s most prolific user by volume. Grapes are notoriously prone to disease and pests, with large quantities of pesticides used in conventional cultivation systems, mainly through crop spraying. (HealthAim)
But the French wine industry´s love affair with pesticides is coming under scrutiny over concerns about its health and social impacts. Earlier this year, a landmark legal action was launched by lawyers acting for the daughter of a vine grower, James-Bernard Murat, who died from cancer linked to his use of pesticides over a 40 year period.
Studies and research suggested that pesticides cause a range of health impacts, including cancers, Parkinson´s disease, and other chronic conditions. Murat´s death is recognized to be officially linked with his pesticide use. And around 40 cases of medical problems are recorded from agricultural workers linked to their work. (HealthAim)
Studies and research suggested that pesticides cause a range of health impacts, including cancers, Parkinson´s disease, and other chronic conditions. Murat´s death is recognized to be officially linked with his pesticide use. And around 40 cases of medical problems are recorded from agricultural workers linked to their work. (HealthAim)
The French authorities and the wine industry will be watching closely as the Murat case could open the way for claims against pesticide producers, vineyard owners and even the French state.
But not everyone links pesticides to illness. Because others claim that other factors can be considered as to why the illnesses did happen. And also there is reasoning that technological development enables pesticides to be less dangerous and seldom used. However, this move made local authorities to schedule pesticide spraying. An increased caution is now being exercised by the agricultural industry.
Ruby BIRD
http://www.portfolio.uspa24.com/
Yasmina BEDDOU
http://www.yasmina-beddou.uspa24.com/
But not everyone links pesticides to illness. Because others claim that other factors can be considered as to why the illnesses did happen. And also there is reasoning that technological development enables pesticides to be less dangerous and seldom used. However, this move made local authorities to schedule pesticide spraying. An increased caution is now being exercised by the agricultural industry.
Ruby BIRD
http://www.portfolio.uspa24.com/
Yasmina BEDDOU
http://www.yasmina-beddou.uspa24.com/
Ruby Bird Yasmina Beddou Harvest Wine Production France Worker Pesticide Organic Farm Economy Common Practice Health Social Impact Grower Death Vineyard Certification Chemical Inputs
Liability for this article lies with the author, who also holds the copyright. Editorial content from USPA may be quoted on other websites as long as the quote comprises no more than 5% of the entire text, is marked as such and the source is named (via hyperlink).
