Freedom from Hunger Pest Control Poster

1960s

14 x 20 in (36 x 51 cm)

ID #FF9C-PK33-12-LZ

"Organized control can save vast quantities of / food now consumed by pests and parasites / FAO towards freedom from hunger"

Black and white poster produced for the Freedom From Hunger Campaign, an informational initiative launched by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1960. The FFHC aimed to raise awareness of inefficient agricultural practices used around the world (particularly in developing countries) and improve them via new techniques and technology to reduce global hunger. This is one of a series of posters depicting agricultural practice and industries in various parts of the world.

This series of posters included an image of inefficient agricultural practices on the left, and an improved version of the same practice on the right. This poster features a comparison of two crop fields. The one on the left is being swarmed by birds that harm crops and reduce yield. On the right, no pests are visible. An aircraft is deploying some form of chemical crop protection, a practice called "aerial application", commonly known as "crop dusting". FAO logo and slogan at the bottom left corner.

It should be noted that bans on crop dusting started to appear during the 1970s due to concerns about aerosol contamination, known as "spray drift". Aerial application has led to hazardous air quality and serious health concerns in multiple areas.

Condition: Good; please note small creases at the top right corner and bottom edge.

Material: Paper

100-250 agriculture crops fao farm ffhc informational international pesticides poster sixties size-14-x-20 united nations vintage poster