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Sunday, May 10th, 2015

Groups urge USDA to launch thorough investigation into scientist censorship

Author:     Kate Colwell
Source:     Friends of the Earth
Publication Date:     May. 5, 2015
 Link: Groups urge USDA to launch thorough investigation into scientist censorship
Stephan:   I find it very interesting that at the moment in our history when science has never been more important in making social policy there is an aggressive and well-funded campaign to keep science from doing just that. All in the name of profit. The only thing that is going to change the outcome is a mass movement of citizens who actively work for and vote for the most compassionate and life-affirming candidate of those available. Forget about party, forget about the values crap that clogs our politics. Choose the person, man or woman, of whatever race, who values facts and supports wellness. Your children's lives depend upon this.

USDAWASHINGTON, D.C. — Environmentalists, beekeepers, farmworkers, farmers, fisheries, and food safety advocates sent a letter to the USDA Inspector General and the co-chairs of the White House Task Force on Pollinator Health today, urging an investigation into recent reports that USDA scientists are being harassed and their research is being censored or suppressed, especially research related to neonicotinoid insecticides — a leading driver of bee declines globally. The White House Task Force on Pollinator Health, co-chaired by the USDA, is expected to release a plan for bee protection in the near future. The more than 25 groups are concerned that the plan will lack meaningful protections for pollinators if the USDA’s research has been compromised.

In March, the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, or PEER, filed a citizen petition requesting that the U.S. Department of Agriculture adopt new policies that would provide stronger protections for government scientists who question the health and safety of agricultural chemicals.

“It is unconscionable for USDA to cover up or politicize any research. The science […]

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