(July 21, 2011) Santa Cruz, CA – Today, CCOF, the nation’s leader in organic certification, will launch Pesticides Bug Me, an online education and fundraising initiative to let consumers know that buying certified organic products will keep harmful pesticides out of their food.

In 2009, over 156 million pounds of pesticides were applied to California’s land. The use of dangerous pesticides is associated with birth defects, childhood brain cancers, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, and more.

These chemicals not only cause health effects in humans but have been linked to Colony Collapse Disorder in honeybee populations. American honeybee populations have dropped by 29 to 36 percent each year since 2006.

“At CCOF we don’t want to live in a world with unhealthy people and no bees,” said CCOF Executive Director Cathy Calfo. “By purchasing certified organic and looking for the USDA label, consumers can make sure that they are buying clean, safe food.”

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