Professor Nigel Andrew, chair of science at Southern Cross University, has come under fire. This comes on the heels of his funding of $7,500 to Trevor Hold, an organic cattle farmer and local administrator for the Stopping The Invasive Toxic Fire Ant Program. This funding will allow large scale field trials of Hold’s revolutionary “Fire Ant Soup Machine.” This tool, though controversial, has been a critical weapon in the fight against invasive fire ants.
Hold’s program has gained a dubious distinction of being known for its hyperbole about fire ant bait’s damaging effects on birds, bees, cows, and dogs. Scientific studies demonstrate no such evidence to support these claims. Furthermore, Hold has repeatedly suggested, without any basis in fact, that these chemicals may be dangerous to humans.
Reaction to the funding decision from the academic community has been vehement and widespread. Stakeholders understandably worry about what such research partnerships might mean.
Funding Decision Raises Questions
The reasons for the money going to Trevor Hold have puzzled many affected by the decision at the university. Critics say the decision shows the university has little regard for its role as a leader in credible scientific inquiry. Reece Pianta, a concerned local resident, was among those most displeased with the agreement.
“I am concerned about internal university processes that led to funding being given to this kind of research partnership,” Pianta stated. He argued that the university should have partnered with more reputable organizations than Hold’s program.
In response, Professor Andrew acknowledged the concerns but stood behind the funding decision. He emphasized that while there is no evidence linking insect growth regulators to human harm, it is essential to consider the community’s feelings and fears regarding these chemicals.
“It doesn’t matter if the chemical doesn’t have an effect on humans. It’s stressing the bejesus out of so many different landholders,” Andrew remarked.
Community Claims and Responses
The Stop The Toxic Fire Ant Program has really been getting noticed for its completely ridiculous and scary claims. Yet, it has come under fire for its lackluster financial practices. Hold and Sarah McGuire, named in the complaint, are further accused of profiting from their advocacy work. They allegedly billed property owners for warning signs, posters, and legal advertisements of the threat of fire ants.
Laboratories McGuire asserts that fire ant bait turned her skin crimson and rashy. Yet, from her point of view, none of this translates into tangible evidence enough to refute her claims. When pressed about the profit incentive behind this new program, Hold defended that they are just trying to raise awareness.
“You’re part of the government, trying to make us look bad and trying to keep with their agenda,” Hold argued in an interview. He attacked media coverage as clearly trying to delegitimize their cause.
University’s Scientific Integrity Under Scrutiny
We couldn’t agree more with Professor Andrew on the notion that chemicals must be used as a last resort in fire ant control. He agrees that many landholders have a sense of disenfranchisement, but emphasizes that it’s very important to be attentive to those residents’ concerns. “They feel disenfranchised, they feel there are problems, they’ve identified what they see as problems, and they need to be listened to,” he said.
Even with Andrew’s best efforts to bridge the gap between scientific realities and community concerns, the conflict only grows more heated. Ms. Manning disputed allegations made by Andrew that the use of the insecticide fipronil had destroyed local ecosystems. She testified to the efficacy of spraying properties six times a year and how it doesn’t “kill off pretty much everything,” debunking Andrew’s assessment.
Pianta was careful to defend against misinformation about fire ant control, encouraging residents to look for reputable sources when searching for treatment tips. “I think it’s really important that the community looks for trusted sources for advice on this, and understands the way these things are being applied,” he stated.
