ORIGINAL RELEASE DATE: MARCH 26, 1998
CONTACT: (916) 574-9744

The Environmental Working Group, in cooperation with the California Public Interest Research Group, released a report today
entitled "Factory Farming: Toxic Waste and Fertilizer in California, 1990 — 1995," suggesting a threat to safety of the nation's food supply as well as agriculture. This information is portrayed in a false and distorted way and does not take into account other, long-term scientific information.

Based upon more than ten years of collective research from the University of California, Colorado State University, the Potash and Phosphate Institute and others, there is no indication that products recycled into fertilizers pose a threat to food safety. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's 30-year Total Diet Study has shown a decrease in the consumption levels of lead, arsenic and cadmium in the human diet.

"This research only reemphasizes that the application of fertilizer products are not harmful to humans," says Steve Beckley, executive vice president, California Fertilizer Association. "The general public can feel confident that their food supply is safe."

"The fertilizer industry supports continued research in this area," says Beckley. "We welcome the Environmental Working Group, CalPIRG and others to join us in further study of these products and working in a cooperative effort with state agencies."

For more information, please see CFA's white papers, "Facts, Not Fear: Heavy Metals In Fertilizer," and "Fertilizer, Metals and Food Safety."