What are pesticides used for?
California’s warm climate attracts many insect pests and diseases, and its diverse agriculture is under constant threat. Some of these threaten not just a single harvest, but entire industries and the communities and workers depend on them. California’s iconic citrus industry, for example, is battling an insect (Asian Citrus psyllid) that carries an incurable disease, huanglongbing, that has already decimated the citrus industry in Florida. To protect California citrus, growers must not allow one single psyllid to escape as it only takes one to transmit the disease to a tree or trees.
Does “organic” farming use pesticides?
One common misconception is that organic farmers don’t use pesticides. This is not true. Organic farmers may use pesticides approved by the National Organic Standards Board, many of which are naturally derived and some of which are synthetic. In fact, on a per acre basis organic growers often use more pesticides than conventional growers.
Many naturally derived organic products are chemical cousins to synthetic products. For example, the pyrethroid class of insecticides was developed based on molecules found in a chrysanthemum flower. Today, both the synthesized molecule and the naturally derived one are widely used.
Most chemical companies develop products for both the organic and conventional markets.
Are pesticide applicators trained?
All workers who handle pesticides and farmworkers who enter fields treated by pesticides must be trained each year. To use certain pesticides, growers and pest control businesses also must become licensed and pass an exam and maintain their certification with continuing education.
Are pesticides safer now than fifty years ago?
The crop protection industry continues to make strides towards ever safer and more precise ways of dealing with pests. Since the 1960s, scientists have innovated to dramatically reduce the amount of pesticides used per acre from pounds to ounces. Data from California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation shows that this trend continues with year over year decreases in pesticide use.
What is Integrated Pest Management?
California in particular has been a leader in developing techniques for an “Integrated Pest Management” (IPM) approach. The University of California IPM program defines IPM as “an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties.”
Both university specialists, and Pest Control Advisors (PCAs) licensed by the state promote IPM strategies and give advice on if, when, and how a pesticide is to be used. A focus on IPM is a key part of the training and goals for both California’s UC extension system and a critical part of the PCA licensing process. Some growers have their own teams of experts who make decisions about when a pesticide may be needed. If a pesticide is used, it must be applied according to detailed and legally binding instructions.
Californians for Smart Pesticide Policy 