A PRECAUTIONARY TALE How One Small Town Banned Pesticides, Preserved Its Food Heritage, and Inspired a Movement

An inspiring David and Goliath tale features the remote town of Mals, located high in the Alps of Italy, and its memorable band of citizens turned activists. Though Will Damron narrates serviceably, managing the various pronunciations and accents well, this triumphant story of collaboration among individuals against the infiltration of agribusiness and pesticides would have been enhanced by a more versatile narration. Damron's approach often undercuts the momentum of the story and misinterprets or overlooks the author's wry observations or turns of phrase. Listeners interested in the growing worldwide political movement to reduce chemical use in the food system and promote local control over agricultural policy, as well as those interested in grassroots organizing and democracy, will find much food for thought. A.S. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2018]