California Strawberry Commission

The California Strawberry Commission is the organization representing the California strawberry industry. California provides nearly 90 percent of U.S. strawberries.

Methyl Iodide
Previously, strawberry growers used methyl bromide - a potent ozone depleting chemical - as a soil fumigant. The chemical was pumped into the soil before strawberries were planted to kill all soil organisms. With the international phaseout of methyl bromide, the industry looked to a new chemical: methyl iodide. Despite outcry by the scientific community, the EPA approved the use of methyl iodide during the George W. Bush presidency. However, California required the chemical to undergo a state review process before it could be used in California.

According to Pesticide Action Network, methyl iodide is used in labs to induce cancer because it is such a reliable carcinogen. When used as a soil fumigant, workers and bystanders will be exposed to dangerous levels of this chemical. However, the California Strawberry Commission still advocates for the legalization of methyl iodide in California.

Contact

 * California Strawberry Commission
 * 180 Westridge Drive
 * Watsonville, CA 95076-6683
 * (831) 724-1301
 * Calstrawberry.com