Presenters

Keynote: Margaret Reeves, PhD

Pesticide Trends in a Changing Climate

Margaret Reeves, PhD, a senior scientist at PAN, who works in California and at the federal level to promote agroecology and the implementation of sustainable, climate-friendly agricultural practices and policies, with an emphasis on ecological pest management. She also continues her work of more than four decades, exposing the injustices routinely experienced by the nation’s two million farmworkers and collaborating with partners to promote farmworker rights to a safe and dignified workplace free from exposure to hazardous pesticides.

See Dr. Reeve’s video presentation | powerpoint presentation

Scientific evidence indicates that pesticides contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions while also making our agricultural systems more vulnerable to the effects of a changing climate. Dr. Reeves will present pesticide use trends with a focus on how pesticides contribute to a changing climate, and how these impacts, in turn, lead to increased pesticide use, creating a vicious cycle. We will look at the example of the paraquat supply chain from fossil fuel extraction to the manufacture (in the UK), transport and application in the U.S. Dr. Reeves will also outline how policymakers can help break this cycle by supporting agroecological farming practices and pesticide reduction targets, and promoting the rights of people most impacted by pesticide use, farmworkers.

Pilot Pesticide Contamination in the Potomac River Basin: Exploring the Role of Wastewater, Landscape Sources, and Long-Term Imidacloprid Trends

Sam Miller, PhD

Research Scientist, US Geological Survey

See Dr. Sam Miller’s video presentation | powerpoint presentation

Contaminants like pesticides and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose potential risks to water quality, ecosystem health, and human exposure, yet understanding their sources and behavior in watersheds remains a challenge. This presentation examines how wastewater and landscape sources contribute to pesticide and PFAS contamination in the Potomac River Basin, using integrated modeling and monitoring to evaluate predicted versus observed concentrations. It also highlights findings from a recent national imidacloprid trend study, with a focus on two sites located within the Potomac River Basin.

Policies and Practices for a Sustainable Future

Jay Feldman

Executive Director, Beyond Pesticides

See Jay Feldman’s video presentation | powerpoint presentation

In an age of existential threats to health, biodiversity, and climate, the contribution of petrochemical pesticides is an important focus, among intersecting factors. Are the current laws adequate in their protection of health and the environment? Do we fully consider the complexities associated with multiple chemical uses and resulting exposure to chemical mixtures in the environment? Are we evaluating available, cost-effective alternatives when making regulatory and use decisions? Do the courts, as a backstop, provide adequate recourse if a pesticide product causes harm to farmers, consumers, or workers? There is robust independent, peer-reviewed scientific literature on adverse effects of pesticides that will be discussed in the context of policy implications for a sustainable future. This talk is framed with practical solutions to pest management challenges in the farm and residential environments.

2025 Pesticide Research Update

Vicki Blazer, PhD and Greg Allen, PhD

Research & Data Gaps Working Group, Pesticides & the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Project

See Dr. Allen and Dr. Blazer’s video presentation | powerpoint presentation

The Research & Data Gaps Working Group updates its Research Report with recent relevant research studies.

Special Segment
Getting Through Tough Times: Practical Tools & Building Community

Greg Allen, PhD

Certified Coach, Leadership Development
Partner, Ascendant Global Leadership, LLC; Scientist, Retired EPA, and

Ruth Berlin, LCSW-C

Executive Director, Maryland Pesticide Education Network;
Psychotherapist

See Dr. Allen’s and Ruth Berlin’s video presentation | powerpoint presentation

No matter one’s political leaning, our current world—global, national and local—is impacting us all. Some of us have lost long-term jobs while some continue working under challenging circumstances. The increasing uncertainties, vitriol, and violence makes many of us feel more fearful, disempowered, vulnerable and oftentimes alone. A number of this year’s project participants have attended our conferences and/or participated in our work groups over these past 19 years. We consider you all a community of people who share concerns about our environment and now we share a need to find our way to a sense of resilience, groundedness, empowerment, and even calm. We will take time for participants to share (in chat) how they are coping. In addition, Greg and Ruth share easy take-home practices to help us all stay healthier and feel more empowered regarding our own well-being.