California Ag Network

Tag: California DPR

  • DPR Releases New Report on Pesticide Reevaluation Process

    In compliance with Assembly Bill 2113, the California DPR has released a new report on how it is making its pesticide reevaluation process more efficient.

    “Reevaluation is one tool in DPR’s Continuous Evaluation and Mitigation program,” A release from the California DPR stated. “It gives the department authority to require pesticide companies to develop and submit scientific studies when important data is missing, and then to use those results to evaluate risks and put any necessary protective measures in place. AB 2113 requires DPR to initiate one reevaluation per year, increasing to two per year beginning in 2029.”

    DPR has also updated its public Continuous Evaluation and Mitigation tracker, noting that as of June 2026 the department has 7 reevaluations, 2 risk assessments, and 10 mitigation efforts underway. The report can be found here. — Story contributed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation

  • New Pesticide Regulations to Take Effect in California, Jan. 1

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has finalized two new regulations that take effect on January 1, 2026.

    Restrictions on 1,3-Dichloropropene (1,3-D) to protect occupational bystanders

    New regulations, developed jointly and mutually by DPR and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), will restrict the use of the pesticide 1,3-D to address cancer risks to occupational bystanders, including farmworkers. The new regulations establish buffer zones and require ongoing evaluation of potential exposure risks. The regulations build on recent protections for residential bystanders that went into effect in January 2024.

    More information on 1,3-D use restrictions and reduction in emissions: DPR and OEHHA to Advance Regulations to Restrict 1,3-D Use in California.

    Pesticide Use Near Schoolsites

    New regulations update DPR’s requirements for pesticide applications near schoolsites to implement Assembly Bill 1864 (2024). For applications within ¼ mile of a schoolsite the regulations now require separate site identification numbers for pesticide use reporting along with the inclusion of application method details in permits and reports. The definition of “schoolsite” will expand to include private schools (K–12) serving six or more students on December 31, 2026. These reporting requirements build on existing restrictions for pesticide use near schoolsites.

    More information on pesticide use near schools: Pesticide Applications Near Schools and Child Care Facilities

  • CAPCA on the Rise & Role of Biologicals in Crop Protection

    Crop protection tools are becoming more and more regulated and limited in California. Biostimulants, biopesticides and biofertilizers offer more options for growers. How they fit into conventional and organic farming systems is still being investigated and how the California Department of Pesticide Regulation should treat and classify them is still in debate. The California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) has been actively involved in the conversation though, advocating for tools for sustainable pest management. At their annual Conference, Malcolm Media Editor-in-Chief Matthew Malcolm sat down with CAPCA State Board Vice President Adam Tavares from AMVAC Chemical as he shared his perspective on where their at and priorities for the future.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.

  • Widespread Rat Infestation in Orchards & Vineyards, CAPCA on Tools & Resources Moving Ahead

    As if California growers and PCAs didn’t have enough on their plates with rising input costs compounded by the most restrictive laws & regulations in the nation, they’ve been further challenged with an unusual pest problem this year — rats! An  increasing number of abandoned orchards and vineyards due to poor economic circumstances has caused a feeding frenzy for some uninvited rodent guests, whose numbers have been multiplying at unprecedented levels. Ruthann Anderson, President/CEO of the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA), met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to explain this issue and what they are doing to help provide the tools and resources growers and PCAs to combat this emergency situation, beginning with an anonymous survey they can fill out HERE. Watch this brief video to learn more.

  • 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.

  • Big DPR Licensing Changes for Pest Control Advisers and Invitation to Gather for 50th Anniversary CAPCA Conference

    To help California Pest Control Advisers and qualified/aerial pesticide applicators prepare for several changes to their license renewals with DPR, Ruthann Anderson, President/CEO of the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA), met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network on August 5th to explain the changes. Among them is a significant renewal fee increase. While increasing costs are never welcome news, Anderson calls upon DPR for transparency and accountability in the use of the increased funds to better serve licensees. She also points out that 2024 is a milestone year for CAPCA, as they will be holding their 50th annual Conference this fall. Watch this brief interview to learn more specifics on California DPR license renewal changes, and some exciting things to expect in attending CAPCA’s 50th Conference this October.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Southern California Gas Company for their industry support.

  • New Stanislaus County Ag Commissioner Serves as Liaison Between Farmers and California DPR

    At Malcolm Media’s recent Tree & Vine Expo, event host Matthew Malcolm was pleased to introduce, Linda Pinfold, the new Stanislaus County Ag Commissioner to attendees.  Watch this brief video to get to know Linda and her emphasis on serving and assisting local farmers in navigating the ever-changing pesticide regulatory environment of California.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Thunder Creek Equipment for their industry support.

  • State of the California Pest Control Adviser

    Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) in California are some of the brightest and versatile in the nation. They each generally cover a wide spectrum of crops grown under a many different conditions and pest challenges.  Watch this brief interview with Ruthann Anderson, President and CEO of the California Association of Pest Control Advisers, as she discusses the current State of the California Pest Control Adviser, as well as an opportunity for PCAs and their growers to get grant funding to tell their IPM stories. Learn more and apply at: https://capca.com/memberships/#study

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Thunder Creek Equipment for their industry support.

  • Tightening CA Soil Fumigation Regulations Require Grower Attention

    Are you considering fumigating your soil soon? California regulations are changing and there are some things growers should know about, and consider getting involved in the conversation. Watch this brief interview with Gabriele Ludwig from the Almond Board of California for more information.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.