The heavy use of pesticides in agriculture is causing a global health crisis. United Nations Environment Programme estimates that 385 million cases of UAPP (unintentional, acute pesticide poisoning) occur worldwide annually including around 11,000 fatalities. The Canadian Cancer Society links pesticide exposure to several cancers, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma and lung cancer. In the U.S., nearly 90% of pesticides are used in agriculture, with farm workers and their families facing exposure levels up to 400 times higher than average, as noted by the Brookings Institute. The Environmental Protection Agency warns that children are especially vulnerable due to their developing brains and nervous systems. The widespread use of these chemicals is having a devastating impact on health, particularly on those closest to agricultural fields.

The environmental impact of pesticides in agriculture is severe. An estimated 17 million hectares—about 2 million football fields—are dedicated to crops for the alcoholic beverages industry. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food of British Columbia notes that pesticides cause pollution and harm non-target plants, wildlife, and aquatic life due to improper application and disposal. Beyond Pesticides links pesticide exposure to various health issues in wildlife, including cancer and reproductive harm. The economic cost of biodiversity loss could reach hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Penn State University found that 91% of pollen samples were contaminated with pesticides, with some containing up to 31 different types. Pesticides are devastating the environment, harming wildlife, and threatening biodiversity.