Members Of Congress Call For End Of Colombian Fumigation Program

Press Release

Reps. Sam Farr (D-Calif.) and James McGovern (D-Mass.) along with 17 other members of Congress sent a letter today to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos expressing their support for suspending the aerial fumigation of coca crops in Colombia. The program, funded by the United States as part of the war on drugs, creates a serious health threat for rural communities in Colombia.

"Fumigation creates a huge health risk for the Colombian people while doing little to stop cocaine trafficking," said Rep. Farr. "We need to invest in helping Colombian farmers grow other crops; not punishing them for a situation that is outside of their control."

In March, the World Health Organization released a report saying that glyphosate, the pesticide used to aerially fumigate coca crops, contained carcinogenic agents. Additional negative health effects of fumigation have been recognized for many years; including skin problems, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal damage, mental health disorders, miscarriages, and fetal deformations.

In April, the Colombian Health Ministry recommended the immediate suspension of aerial fumigation. President Santos has since called on the National Drug Council to end the program.

"I strongly support President Santos's decision," said Rep. McGovern. "Safeguarding rural communities is not only the right thing to do but also the ethical choice. I am glad that the U.S. government is willing to support President Santos in his decision."

The environmental impacts of fumigation are also substantial. Pesticides sprayed from planes can destroy legal crops or contaminate soil and groundwater sources. Manual eradication, which does not possess the health or environmental risks of fumigation, is a more effective approach to removing illegal coca crops.

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