BAD APPLE?

The Washington apple industry is striking back at actress Meryl Streep for appearing on TV warning against eating chemically treated apples. “Three years ago, movie actresses were spilling all over the place trying to save the family farm,” said Chris Schlect, an industry lobbyist based in Yakima, Wash. “Now we have actresses going out trying to destroy agriculture.” Schlect, head of the Northwest Horticultural Council, said the Academy Award-winning actress has credibility because of her movie roles. But, he said, “It doesn’t make her a scientist or expert on nutrition,” and her involvement in the nationwide controversy over the chemical Alar is hurting growers. Streep, a founder of Mothers and Others for Pesticide Limits, told the Associated Press her lack of scientific training was not the issue and she’s not “beating up on farmers. . . . I’m not a scientist so I have to go with the best information available. . . . I’m interested in farmers being supported to grow in ways not threatening to health.” Washington is the nation’s largest apple producer, growing about half of all supermarket apples.