California Ag Network

Tag: California Department of Pesticide Regulation

  • Project in Santa Cruz Co. Explores Alternative to Soil Fumigation

    The Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner (CAC) is initiating a $175,000 pilot project funded by the California DPR to use steam as an alternative to pre-plant fumigation, advancing work to foster the availability and adoption of sustainable pest management in California.

    The pilot project, led by CAC David Sanford, resulted from conversations with community groups interested in exploring fumigant alternatives near certain sensitive, community-serving locations such as schools. As part of the pilot, several berry producers in the Pajaro Valley will test the use of steam in lieu of conventional pre-plant soil fumigation starting this summer. Research will continue into next year.

    “This pilot represents an important collaboration to meet the needs of communities and growers in California,” said DPR Director Karen Morrison. “DPR is pleased to support efforts that encourage local partnerships, drive innovations in alternatives, and advance sustainable pest management.”

    Steam treatment for pest management involves injecting high temperature steam into the soil before planting. The heat helps reduce certain soil-borne pests, plant diseases, nematodes, and weed seeds. The test fields will be selected for the pilot project based on their proximity to schools or other sensitive sites to explore this potential alternative to help reduce the use of field fumigants near communities.

    DPR recently released findings from an independent study on alternatives to pre-plant fumigants that documented that no existing alternative can currently serve as a direct substitute for chemical fumigants on a wide scale. The study identified the need for more research to understand the soil and climate conditions where alternatives can be effective.

    “This project provides an opportunity to further assess soil steaming as a potential alternative to conventional pre-plant soil fumigation,” Sanford said. “We’re pleased to support this collaborative effort by helping inform the public, facilitating community engagement, and contributing to the evaluation of a promising technology in sustainable pest management.”

    The Santa Cruz CAC and members of Safe Ag Safe Schools (SASS) brought the project to DPR for funding consideration. The CAC will collaborate with a University of California researcher, industry partners, berry growers and landowners, community members, and adjacent sensitive-site representatives on the pilot.

    “The Pajaro Valley has some of the most concentrated use of fumigants in the state, including near schools and homes,” said Kathleen Kilpatrick, SASS member and retired school nurse. “SASS members support exploring non-chemical alternatives on fields near schools. We hope these pilot projects will provide tools for pesticide reduction and expansion of organic buffers.”

    The Santa Cruz CAC will hold community outreach meetings throughout the pilot period, where people can ask questions, provide feedback, and offer input. The first community meeting will take place Aug. 18at 5:30 p.m. in the Greg Caput Community Room of the South County Government Center, 500 Westridge Dr., Watsonville. More information can be found on the Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner’s website

  • DPR Announces Voluntary Cancellation of Paraquat Products

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) announced that all manufacturers of pesticide products containing the active ingredient paraquat-dichloride (paraquat) have voluntarily cancelled their product registrations, beginning the phase-out of the use of paraquat in California.

    “For years, communities have fought to end the use of paraquat, a weedkiller associated with negative impacts to human health and wildlife,” said California Secretary for Environmental Protection Yana Garcia. “California will keep moving toward pest management practices that protect health and our ecosystems.”

    DPR initiated the reevaluation of paraquat in November 2024, aligning with requirements in Food & Agricultural Code (FAC) section 14086, and released two preliminary scientific assessments the following month. DPR’s preliminary reports identified a potential association between paraquat exposure and thyroid impacts and birth defects. The reports also indicated paraquat may adversely affect other organisms, with the most significant risks to birds.

    “We need the right data to identify where there are risks to people and the environment,” said DPR Director Karen Morrison. “This is a cornerstone of our continuous evaluation process to respond to evolving science on the impacts of pesticides.”

    Reevaluation gives DPR the authority to require registrants – the companies that make pesticides – to develop and submit new scientific studies needed to fully understand emerging risks that were unknown at the time of registration.  For paraquat, DPR invoked this reevaluation authority to require registrants to submit scientific data by June 5, 2026, to address newly identified gaps in DPR’s human health toxicology database, among other requirements. In lieu of providing required data, companies began voluntarily cancelling registration of paraquat pesticide products in California in April, with the last registrant voluntarily cancelling its registration on Aug. 6.

    Under California law, DPR-licensed dealers may continue to possess and sell pesticides that were voluntarily canceled for up to two years following the effective date of each product’s cancellation. Growers who continue to use these products must act in accordance with all applicable label directions, use requirements, and state and federal regulations.

    Paraquat reevaluation is part of a series of actions at the department to continuously evaluate and mitigate pesticide impacts. Status updates for other actions and pesticide active ingredients and classes under evaluation can be found on DPR’s Continuous Evaluation and Mitigation Update webpage.

    DPR provides funding to research alternatives to pesticides and to increase access to safe, effective sustainable pest management (SPM) through its annual SPM Grants program. The 2027 priority areas include projects that are likely to decrease usage of pesticides prioritized for mitigation or evaluation by DPR, such as paraquat, and those that offer alternatives to weed management. The current application period is open through Sept. 1.

    “To realize systemwide change in California, DPR plays a critical role in supporting additional research and outreach to move the state towards safer, more sustainable pest management approaches,” said Director Morrison. “As growers transition from the use of paraquat, the department will leverage available tools to support the use of effective alternatives and foster SPM.”

    — Story contributed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation

  • DPR Releases Findings from Fumigant Alternatives Study

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) released the fourth and final component of a multi-part study exploring alternatives to fumigant pesticides. The last report focused on the risks and benefits of pre-plant fumigants.

    The research conducted by the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) specifically looked at methyl bromide and three pesticides known as MITC generators – dazomet, metam-sodium, and metam-potassium. Similar to the findings from CCST’s previous reports, this report found that, while alternatives exist, there is no single alternative that can be used as a 1:1 substitute for methyl bromide or MITC generators. In particular, the cost and effectiveness of alternatives remain a significant barrier for growers. More crop- and region-specific research is needed to determine the efficacy of alternatives at commercial scale.

    “DPR has made a strong commitment to sustainable pest management and finding alternatives to fumigants,” said DPR Director Karen Morrison. “We will continue to prioritize actions to protect human health and the environment through research and innovation.”

    Both methyl bromide and MITC generators are restricted material pesticides in California – a group of high-risk pesticides that are strictly regulated to protect public health and the environment.

    Methyl bromide is a soil fumigant that has been largely phased out of use in routine agriculture under the Montreal Protocol because of its ozone-depleting properties. The U.S. EPA only allows its use in a few circumstances – primarily for quarantine and pre-shipment of commodities, imported goods, and nursery propagation to prevent the introduction and/or spread of pests across borders. MITC generators are used to protect timber from rot and to reduce the spread of soil-borne pests between crop seasons.

    DPR commissioned the independent study following the release of the Sustainable Pest Management (SPM) Roadmap to evaluate fumigant use and existing alternatives with funding from the California Budget Act of 2023-24. CCST’s reports focused on soil fumigants 1,3-D and chloropicrin, alternatives to sulfuryl fluoride, and post-harvest commodity fumigation.

    DPR has also created two new committees to support implementation of the SPM Roadmap.

    • The SPM Advisory Committee advises DPR on goals, tactics, policies, and partnerships that support the implementation of SPM statewide.
    • The Scientific Prioritization and Review Committee (SPARC) will provide science-based recommendations to inform DPR’s transparent, data-driven process for identifying and addressing potential risks to human health and the environment from pesticide use.

    DPR is also prioritizing alternatives to fumigants in its annual pool of SPM grant funding. For example, in May, DPR awarded over $600,000 to a project to evaluate the application of different combinations of soil fumigant alternatives.

  • Hearing Set for Proposed Regulation on Pesticide-Treated Seeds

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) announced that it will hold a virtual public hearing on the recently proposed rules to regulate pesticide-treated seeds. The department released the proposed regulation on May 15 to formally define pesticide-treated seeds in the state — specify conditions under which those seeds are exempt from pesticide registration requirements — and require reporting on the use of pesticide-treated seeds in California.

    DPR will hold a public hearing to receive verbal or written comments on July 6. The hearing will be conducted virtually to ensure statewide accessibility.

    The hearing will be conducted in English with Spanish interpretation provided. Information on accommodations, including requesting interpretation in additional languages, can be viewed within the regulatory notice, available on DPR’s website.

    Meeting Details

    Date: Monday, July 6

    Time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

    Location: Zoom (Virtual)

    The virtual hearing will also be accessible via public webcast for persons who would like to watch this hearing without participating. — Story contributed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation

  • New Study to Support Water Quality Protection in the Smith River Plain

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is announcing a new, multi‑year scientific study to better understand how copper concentrations in tributaries of the Smith River Plain may be affecting local fish species and the broader aquatic ecosystem. The study will provide new data to support the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board’s (North Coast Water Board’s) ongoing oversight and water quality protection efforts in the Smith River watershed.

    Beginning this year, DPR will fund a two-year toxicity study led by researchers at Cal Poly Humboldt, using field collected water and laboratory testing to assess potential effects on fish health and behavior, and on sensitive invertebrate species.

    This study responds to questions raised by community members, Tribal representatives and other interested groups about pesticide runoff in the Smith River Plain, where copper fungicides are widely used in lily bulb production. The work will generate additional data needed to better understand copper bioavailability, or how much copper organisms can absorb and how quickly it may have an effect.

    The results of this study will support the North Coast Water Board’s ongoing water quality protection efforts in the Smith River Plain, including development and implementation of waste discharge requirements for lily bulb farming operations (a.k.a. Lily Bulb Order

    (external link)

    ). The study represents a collaboration between the Water Boards and DPR on continued work across both departments to protect the environment and engage with local communities and Tribes.

    The study will initiate in 2026 and is anticipated to conclude in 2028.

    More information on the Smith River Watershed is available on the North Coast Water Board’s website

    (external link)

    . — Story contributed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation

  • DPR Releases Summary of Convening on Post-Harvest Commodity Fumigation

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) recently released the post-harvest commodity fumigation component of an independent study evaluating alternatives to fumigant pesticides. Prepared by the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST), the convening report summarizes key themes and discussion points from a convening assembled by CCST to discuss fumigants that are used to protect stored food products after harvest, potential alternatives, and opportunities to reduce exposure for workers and nearby communities.

    CCST’s convening included academic, industry, public health, environmental justice and regulatory experts who met for a series of discussions on post-harvest commodity fumigation in November 2025. The discussion specifically focused on four fumigant pesticides: methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride, phosphine, and propylene oxide. All four fumigants are restricted material pesticides primarily used on produce after harvesting to protect food from fungal disease and insect pests while in storage. The report synthesizes findings from those discussions to summarize and reflect participants’ perspectives on the state of post-harvest commodity fumigation in California.

    The convening report includes discussion summaries related to:

    • How and why post‑harvest fumigants are used today, including factors that drive fumigation for stored commodities.
    • Community exposure and emission concerns, along with current mitigation practices and opportunities to strengthen protections for nearby residents and workers.
    • Available and emerging alternatives to traditional fumigants, such as controlled atmospheres, irradiation, pheromone‑based tools, and multi‑pronged Integrated Pest Management approaches.
    • Barriers that limit the adoption of alternatives, including international and national regulatory requirements, cost and the need for additional research and training.
    • Key research gaps where further scientific study is needed to support a transition to safer, effective pest management tools.

  • DPR Releases Summary of Expert Convening on Fumigation

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) released the post-harvest commodity fumigation component of a multipart independent scientific study evaluating alternatives to fumigant pesticides. Prepared by the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST), the convening report summarizes key themes and discussion points from a convening assembled by CCST to discuss fumigants that are used to protect stored food products after harvest, potential alternatives and opportunities to reduce exposure for workers and nearby communities.

    CCST’s convening included academic, industry, public health, environmental justice and regulatory experts who met for a series of discussions on post-harvest commodity fumigation in November. The discussion specifically focused on four fumigant pesticides: methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride, phosphine, and propylene oxide. All four fumigants are restricted material pesticides primarily used on produce after harvesting to protect food from fungal disease and insect pests while in storage. The report synthesizes findings from those discussions to summarize and reflect participants’ diverse perspectives on the state of post-harvest commodity fumigation in California.

    The convening report includes discussion summaries related to:

    • How and why post‑harvest fumigants are used today, including factors that drive fumigation for stored commodities.
    • Community exposure and emission concerns, along with current mitigation practices and opportunities to strengthen protections for nearby residents and workers.
    • Available and emerging alternatives to traditional fumigants, such as controlled atmospheres, irradiation, pheromone‑based tools, and multi‑pronged Integrated Pest Management approaches.
    • Barriers that limit the adoption of alternatives, including international and national regulatory requirements, cost, and the need for additional research and training.
    • Key research gaps where further scientific study is needed to support a transition to safer, effective pest management tools.

  • Syngenta Voluntarily Cancels CA Paraquat Registration

    Pesticide registrant Syngenta voluntarily cancelled registration of Gramoxone SL 3.0 — a product containing paraquat-dichloride — in California.

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have both designated paraquat as a restricted material, meaning only licensed dealers can sell it and only professionally licensed applicators can use it. Paraquat is under DPR reevaluation.

    Products containing paraquat that are registered by other companies are not affected by Syngenta’s voluntary cancellation. Gramoxone SL 3.0 may continue to be possessed and sold by DPR-licensed dealers for up to two years following the following effective date (April 1, 2028) of the company’s voluntary cancellation under California law. Growers using these products must do so in accordance with all applicable label directions, as well as state and federal regulations. Syngenta indicated that it will continue stewardship practices like training and safety resources while remaining stocks are distributed and sold.

    The DPR is continuing to move through the process of reevaluation of paraquat products registered in California, in alignment with AB 1963. The Department has released two preliminary assessments and will continue to require data and additional information from remaining registrants. The reevaluations is expected to be completed by January 2029.

  • DPR Seeks Penalties Against Central Valley Aerial Pesticide Applicator for Drift into Almond Orchard

    Today, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) announced it is seeking monetary and licensing penalties against a Kingsburg-based aerial pesticide applicator, marking the first use of new administrative pesticide use enforcement authority granted by the Legislature in 2023.

    The accusation, filed by the California Attorney General’s Office on DPR’s behalf, alleges Trinkle Ag Flying, Inc. caused drift damage to a non-target almond orchard and committed multiple worker safety violations.

    “Trinkle Ag Flying has repeatedly violated rules designed to protect people, the environment, and private property,” said DPR Deputy Director of Enforcement Ken Everett. “These are serious violations, and the department will seek serious penalties for unsafe pesticide use to protect all Californians.”

    In the accusation, DPR seeks to revoke or suspend the pest control business license of Trinkle Ag Flying, Inc., as well as the qualified applicator and journeyman pilot licenses of owner Mark R. Trinkle, Jr. With a suspended or revoked license, the company would be unable to apply pesticides for hire. The department is also seeking a $30,000 fine.

    The accusation alleges a pair of violations occurred in 2024. On January 16, DPR alleges Trinkle Ag Flying, Inc. and Mark R. Trinkle, Jr. violated numerous worker-protection requirements during an application at a Hanford farm. According to the accusation, Mark R. Trinkle, Jr. refused to cooperate with an inspector from the Kings County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and continued the application despite visible worker health and safety violations involving insufficient protective equipment for employees mixing and handling chemicals.

    A month later, on February 13, DPR further alleges that Mark R. Trinkle, Jr., on behalf of Trinkle Ag Flying, Inc., was applying herbicides to a corn field in Visalia when they illegally drifted onto a neighboring almond orchard, causing damages estimated to be over $32,000. The Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office investigated the incident.

    “DPR is committed to protecting the health and safety of our communities by stopping the unsafe, illegal use of pesticides,” said Everett. “When violations are identified, we take action to prevent harm and ensure accountability.”

    Read the full accusation here.

  • California DPR Proposes Regs for Tracking Reportable Pesticide Use Near Schools

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) released proposed regulations to implement Assembly Bill (AB) 1864, signed by Governor Newsom on September 25, 2024, to require field identification and reporting on pesticide use near schools to provide greater transparency and ensure compliance with existing regulations that restrict agricultural pesticide use near schools and licensed child day care facilities.

    Effective Jan. 1, 2018, DPR adopted regulations to place restrictions on the application methods or timing used to apply pesticides to agricultural fields within 1/4 mile of a schoolsite, currently defined as a public K-12 school or licensed child day care facility. The regulations also require the operator of the agricultural field within 1/4 mile of a schoolsite to provide the schoolsite an annual notification of expected pesticide applications.

    The proposed regulations would require:

    •A separate site identification number for the portion of an agricultural field that lies within 1/4 mile of a schoolsite

    •Restricted material permit applications, notices of intent, and pesticide use reports for agricultural fields within 1/4 mile of a schoolsite to include the specific method of applying the pesticide

    •Notices of intent submitted for the use of California restricted materials on agricultural fields within 1/4 mile of a schoolsite to include allowable dates and time ranges during which the application can occur

    Additionally, the proposed regulations will expand existing restrictions to include private K-12 schools with an enrollment of 6 or more pupils.

    DPR has opened a public comment period on the proposed regulations through July 14, 2025. Comments may be submitted online through DPR’s public comment portal SmartComment, sent by email to regulations@cdpr.ca.gov, or by mail to:

    Lauren Otani, Regulations Coordinator

    Department of Pesticide Regulation

    1001 I Street, P.O. Box 4015

    Sacramento, California 95812-4015

    The proposed regulations and rulemaking documents are now available at DPR’s Proposed and Recently Adopted Regulation webpage.