Founded in 1981, Beyond Pesticides (originally called the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides) is a non-profit, grassroots network of groups and individuals concerned with the dangers of pesticides. Members of Beyond Pesticides include individuals, such as "victims" of pesticides, physicians, attorneys, farmers and farmworkers, gardeners, and former chemical company scientists, as well as health, farm, consumer, and church groups. All want to limit pesticide use through Beyond Pesticides, which publishes information on pesticide hazards and alternatives, monitors and influences legislation on pesticide issues, and provides seed grants and encouragement to local groups and efforts.

Administrated by a 15-member board of directors and a small full-time staff, including a toxicologist and an ecologist, Beyond Pesticides is now the most prominent organization dealing with the pesticide issue. It was established on the premise that much is unknown about the toxic effects of pesticides and the extent of...