Pesticide use continues to drop in California

Reflecting a long-term trend, reported pesticide use dropped over 5% between 2021 and 2022 in California.

Data from the Pesticide Use Report revealed 181 million pounds of active pesticide ingredients applied, a 10.4-million-pound decrease from 2021. Cumulative acres treated also decreased by 3.2% year over year.

California requires pesticide use be reported for all agricultural applications and also use in parks, managed urban landscapes, rights of roadsides, structures, and more. Consumer use is not reported.

Pesticide use was measured by category, based on the pesticide’s potential to cause health or environmental harm. In the past 10 years, use of higher-risk pesticides has markedly declined in both pounds applied and acres treated. In terms of pounds applied, pesticide use decreased in most categories, including:

• 77% decrease in groundwater contaminants
• 45% decrease in reproductive toxins
• 45% decrease in cholinesterase inhibitors
• 21% decrease in toxic air contaminants
• 20% decrease in carcinogens
• 17% decrease in fumigants

Biopesticide use—a lower-risk alternative for controlling pesticides—increased by 56%.

To learn more, visit Department of Pesticide Regulation’s website Pesticide Use Reporting (ca.gov).

Source: California Department of Pesticide Regulation

To view source article, visit:

https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pressrls/2024/070924.htm

Organic & Non-GMO Insights August 2024