Obama Nominates Pesticide Lobbyist as Chief Agricultural Negotiator

Haven?t heard of Islam Siddiqui?  You should know him.  The Obama administration preferred if you didn’t, but you should know him.  Why?  Because he may soon have the power to directly influence the food you eat.

President Obama recently nominated Islam Siddiqui to the role of Chief Agricultural Negotiator at the Trade Office.  He will be charged to lead an organization which represents our agricultural interests both here and abroad.  The problem is, Islam Siddiqui is a former pesticide lobbyist for CorpLife.  He is the same guy who openly chided Michelle Obama for not using ?crop protection? (a.k.a. toxic pesticides), in the new White House vegetable garden.  CorpLife even set up a letter writing campaign.  He?s also the same guy who undermined the European Union?s attempt to ban hormone-treated beef in 1999 and rejected the mandatory labeling and disclosure of genetically modified animals in Japan, stating, ?Mandatory labeling could mislead consumers about the safety of these products?.

What happened to the push by this White House for sustainable agriculture and chemical-free, local foods?  What happened to President Obama?s vow to ban lobbyists from his administration?

Michelle Obama demanded a pesticide-free garden for her family at the White House, so shouldn?t the American people be given a fair shot of having the same for their families?

Photo by deharris

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