****FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE****

Toxic Taters Hosts Story Sharing Gatherings to Discuss Impacts of Large Scale Potato Farming

1/11/17

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Amy S. Mondloch, Toxic Taters Coordinator

218-850-3629 ( c ) or 218-375-2600 (o)

[email protected]

www.toxictaters.org

From Spring through Fall thousands of acres of farm fields in our region are used to grow potatoes.  Most of those fields are sprayed every week with pesticides throughout the growing season and millions of gallons of water are used to irrigate the soil.  Toxic Taters is gathering the stories of those who’ve been impacted by large scale potato farming.  

Are you a hunter or fisherman who’s concerned about changes where you hunt or fish?  Have you lost trees or crops of your own to the spray?  Has your home or vehicle been damaged?  Have you or a loved one gotten sick?  Have you lost someone you care about?  

Toxic Taters will be hosting story sharing gatherings in Wadena, Park Rapids, and Pine Point.  Opportunities are also available to talk one on one with Toxic Taters staff or a story collecting volunteer to share what’s happened to you.  

Stories will be used to further Toxic Taters efforts to encourage RDO to expand their efforts to farm sustainably and cut their pesticide use.  

Upcoming story sharing events will be held:

Wadena:  Monday, January 23 at the UCC Church. 7PM (snacks included)

Park Rapids: Monday, January 30 at the Bella Café at 10am

Pine Point:  Thursday, February 2 at the new school, 5:30pm (dinner included)

Individuals wishing to share their stories who are unable to attend should call 218-375-2600 or email [email protected] .  Those wishing to learn more about the impacts pesticides are having on our communities are encouraged to attend.

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