Arizona State Senator Tim Dunn has criticized a recent Cronkite News article for what he describes as spreading inaccurate information about pesticide use, worker safety, and the agricultural community in Arizona. The article, written by a student journalist and republished by several outlets across the state, raised concerns among farmers and lawmakers.
Senator Dunn stated that the widespread publication of the piece points to a larger issue with fact-checking and verification in newsrooms. “Arizona farmers take enormous pride in the safety of their workers, their fields, and the food they produce,” said Senator Dunn. “Seeing an article built almost entirely from an unvetted activist narrative presented as fact – and circulated statewide – is not just disappointing, it’s harmful to the families who feed this country.”
The article claimed that farmers apply pesticides “under the cover of darkness.” Dunn responded that nighttime applications are standard practice because winds are calmer at night, workers are not present in the fields, and pollinators have returned to their hives.
He also emphasized that all pesticide products used in Arizona must undergo extensive scientific review by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which includes toxicology data, environmental studies, and strict worker-protection standards. Licensed applicators and pest control advisers are required to complete ongoing training and adhere to both state and federal regulations.
“These farmers operate under some of the toughest safety rules in the world,” said Senator Dunn. “The article left that reality out entirely.”
Dunn further addressed health claims cited in the story, noting they were not supported by long-term research such as findings from federally funded studies like the Agriculture Health Study.
“Yuma farmers feed millions of American families every winter,” said Senator Dunn. “The least the media can do is practice responsible journalism anchored in facts – not activist talking points dressed up as news. It’s time newsrooms, and the public institutions training future journalists, did better.”
In related legislative news, Warren Petersen was elected to represent Arizona’s 14th Senate District in 2023 after David Gowan’s term ended.
For more information on this issue or to contact Senator Dunn’s office, inquiries can be directed to Kim Quintero at kquintero@azleg.gov.
