DPR reports pesticide use declined

Media Contact:
Glenn Brank
916/445-3974

October 23, 2001 (01-19)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DPR reports pesticide use declined – again – in 2000

(Editors: A county breakdown of pesticide use is available [PDF file] at http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pur/pur00rep/00_pur.htm.)

SACRAMENTO -- The California Department of Pesticide Regulation today reported statewide pesticide use dropped for the second consecutive year in 2000, to the lowest point since 1992.

DPR's preliminary data showed reported pesticide applications totaled about 188 million pounds, compared to 202 million pounds in 1999. Reported pesticide use in California has dropped almost 27 million pounds since 1998.

DPR data showed an overall decline in pounds of chemicals classified as possible carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and toxic air contaminants. Use of two fumigants -- methyl bromide and metam-sodium -- dropped by a total of more than 8 million pounds from 1999 to 2000.

"We are encouraged that overall pesticide use shows a decline for the second consecutive year," said DPR Director Paul E. Helliker. "We always stress that pesticide applications vary from year to year -- depending on weather, pest problems, and other factors -- but we are most encouraged by evidence that farmers and other pesticide users are turning to reduced-risk strategies." He also noted that since 1996, DPR has distributed about $8.4 million for 200 grants to encourage reduced-risk pest management.

Use of reduced-risk chemicals in 2000 increased by 50 percent, as measured both by pounds applied and acres treated. "DPR has made speedy registration of reduced-risk chemicals a top priority, and these statistics show that the market is ready to accept new products that better protect people and the environment," said Helliker.

Several counties showed significant declines in pesticide use from 1999 to 2000. They include Fresno (down 2.2 million pounds), Stanislaus (2.1 million pounds), Kern (1.6 million pounds), Imperial (1.5 million pounds), Solano (1.3 million pounds), Riverside (1.2 million pounds), Monterey (1.1 million pounds), and San Joaquin (1 million pounds).

Major crops with a decrease in pounds applied included almonds (down more than 3 million pounds), wine grapes (down 3 million pounds), raisin and table grapes (down 2.7 million pounds), processing tomatoes (down 2 million pounds), and carrots and strawberries (each down 1 million pounds).

Other highlights from the preliminary 2000 pesticide use data:

Use of methyl bromide declined by almost one-third, or more than 4.3 million pounds statewide. Another fumigant, metam-sodium, saw applications decline by 3.9 million pounds. Both fumigants also recorded declines in acreage treated.

Use of high-toxicity organophosphate and carbamate chemicals declined more than 624,000 pounds from 1999. Cumulative acres treated (one acre treated five times is counted as five acres) declined more than 740,000 acres from 1999.

Use of chemicals classified as possible carcinogens declined nearly 3.6 million pounds since 1999. Cumulative acreage treated increased about 1.6 million acres.

Chemicals categorized as reproductive toxins declined nearly 9 million pounds. Acreage increased by about 240,000 acres.

Chemicals classified as toxic air contaminants declined nearly 3.9 million pounds, while cumulative acreage increased about 500,000 acres.

Chemicals categorized as ground water contaminants increased by about 100,000 pounds from 1999. Cumulative acreage increased by about 36,000.

Use of reduced-risk pesticides increased by more than 185,000 pounds and more than 850,000 cumulative acres treated.

In 1990, California became the first state to require full use reporting, and DPR has compiled the reports in the most extensive database of its kind in the nation. Reported uses include production agriculture and postharvest fumigation of crops, structural pest control, landscape maintenance, and other uses. Exempt from reporting are home and garden applications of pesticides, and most industrial and institutional uses.

Summaries of 2000 preliminary pesticide data are available free online at <www.cdpr.ca.gov>. Final data summaries will be posted when analyses are completed. Data summaries from 1990 to 1999 are also available. Each summary includes two versions of the data (one indexed by chemical, the other by crop), with number of applications, acreage or units treated, and pounds of pesticide used. A county-by-county summary of pesticide use is available online.

The 400-page summaries also may be ordered in hard copy ($10 each) or on diskette ($2.50). To order, send payment to: Cashier, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, P.O. Box 4015, Sacramento, CA 95812-4015. A complete data set of the 2.5 million-plus individual 2000 pesticide application records is also available on CD ROM for $12. For information about the CD ROM, call the DPR Pest Management and Licensing Branch at (916) 324-4100.

One of six boards and departments within Cal/EPA, DPR regulates the sale and use of pesticides to protect people and the environment.

FLEX YOUR POWER! The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut energy costs, see www.cdpr.ca.gov.