Well, shit.That’s what organic farmers are saying in Whatcom County, where herbicide-tainted manure is costing them hundreds of thousands of dollars in crop damage. Tests indicate the curling leaves and stunted growth Whatcom farmers have been reporting in their peppers and tomatoes come from aminopyralid, a chemical non-organic dairy farmers use to kill weeds in their pastures.Scientists believe aminopyralid is safe for mammals and birds, but the organic farmers say they’re worried reports of contamination will scare away eco-conscious consumers. Chances are the polluted poop came in contact with crops by accident, not through an intentional violation of the laws governing herbicide use, says the Whatcom Conservation District–but that’s cold comfort for the guy who can’t sell his vegetables.
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