It is not a secret that most people are concerned about "all the chemicals they are spraying on our food," but do you know what chemicals are being sprayed? Why are they being sprayed?

Farmers have to spray their fields with chemicals to suppress weed and pest pressure, it is important to recognize that for each chemical sprayed there is a regulated formulation. A pesticide applicator license is required before you are allowed to spray fields with chemicals.

So, what are these chemicals and why are they being sprayed?

These chemicals are mainly herbicides which are specifically used to kill weeds in the fields without harming the crops, they do not pose a threat to human health if properly handled (just like everything else around us). Herbicides are the fastest most economical way to eliminate weeds in the field, it is important to get rid of all the weeds because they host diseases, pests and also compete with the crop for nutrients potentially reducing yield. The other main chemical is pesticides, these are specifically used to kill pests in the field, they are host specific! (unless you are a pest, a properly managed formulation will not kill you!). It is critical that pests are killed in your field so that you can have healthy growing crops to make reach the desired yield.

If the crops are harmed due to weed or pest pressure, there won't be enough food for everyone to eat and also increase the price of food.

Understand the difference, know the importance of these chemicals so you can make an informed opinion.