Sound science should drive Colorado’s pesticide policy
Colorado farmer argues pesticides should be guided by science to protect soil, crops, and water while supporting local food production; emphasizes the need for scientifically researched and tested pesticides to balance farming practices with environmental health. He frames pesticide policy as essential to maintaining groundwater quality and sustainable agricultural livelihoods in Longmont and the broader state.
The op-ed, written by Paul Schlagel, reflects a fourth-generation sugar beet farmer’s perspective on how rigorous scientific testing informs safe, effective pest control and crop management. It argues that policy should prioritize sound science to ensure both agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship.
Key themes include the relationship between farming, water quality, and food security, and a call for policies that integrate research-backed pesticide tools to maintain resilient farm systems without compromising public health or ecosystems.