The Project
Synthetic pesticides are used to control pests such as insects, weeds, and fungi that damage crops and reduce yields. They have seen a dramatic increase in applications since the Second World War. Their use is a contentious topic, as can be gauged from recent political and public controversies about a potential ban of glyphosate within the European Union. Put simply, many observers are concerned about the negative effects of pesticides on human and animal health, biodiversity, and food safety. In contrast, others argue in favour of using pesticides to achieve food security by controlling pests and epidemic diseases. A recurring issue in the debate is the lack of scientific and political consensus on the potential risks and hazards posed by pesticide use.
‘Group meetings in the Caucus Room at the Palazzo dei Congressi, where the Conference is meeting, 11 November 1974. The World Food Conference has been called by the UN General Assembly in Resolution 3180 (XXVIII) of 17 December 1973, to meet in Rome, Italy, 5-16 November, under the auspices of the UN and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).’ - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Reproduced with permission.
To understand the origins of these divergent positions, the project “Chemical Crossroads” studies the historical role of international organisations in mobilising expertise, organising debates, and formulating policies aimed at mitigating the risks associated with pesticide use in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. To do so, it focuses on three specialised agencies of the United Nations: the International Labour Organisation, the World Health Organisation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation. Specifically, the project analyses the actors who participated in working groups and conferences (scientists, administrators, company representatives, politicians); the medical, chemical, agricultural, and botanical knowledge presented at expert meetings and in publications; and the debates and controversies that emerged in these contexts. By doing so, the project promises to provide the foundation for a better understanding of the roots of contemporary concerns about the risks to health, food, and the environment associated with synthetic pesticides.
‘To increase home-grown food supplies has been an important aspect of Korean reconstruction,often necessitating more productive methods. Greater use of insecticides has led to the production of healthier crops.’ [No exact date] Agricultural Rehabilitation in Korea (Background Photo), 1971 - UN7659444, UN Photo
‘Rural Development in Dahomey. Young farmers on a cooperative farm near Save prepare to spray the cotton crop. Jan Zwaan, the Dutchman who organized this farm for the Mission Protestante Methodiste, examines one of the cotton plants, 1968’ - UN7625570, UN Photo/PL
The project consists of three sub-projects that analyse pesticide use and exposure in different fields:
Through multi-archival research, the project traces the scientific debates that took place in these three domains and contextualises them against the backdrop of geopolitical, economic, scientific, and development interests of the period. It will also assess the relationship of international organisations and agencies with non-governmental and private actors, such as agricultural trade unions, farmers’ organisations, and commercial lobbies.
Project 1
Project 2
Project 3