Scientific Prioritization and Review Committee (SPARC)
The Department of Pesticide Regulation’s (DPR’s) Scientific Prioritization and Review Committee (SPARC) will advise the department on prioritizing actions associated with continuous evaluation and mitigation.
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. SPARC serves as a public forum for discussing recommendations to DPR on initiating priority actions, including human health and environmental risk assessments, alternatives assessment, and mitigation.
For more information about SPARC’s role in informing DPR’s work, please view the following fact sheet:
Meet DPR’s SPARC Members!
On April 2, 2026, DPR announced the appointment of 12 members to serve on DPR’s Scientific Prioritization and Review Committee.
The committee members have scientific and practitioner expertise in specific fields including Agricultural Practitioner, Agricultural Academic Extension, Urban Practitioner, Urban Academic Extension, Environmental, Public Health, Public Drinking Water and Wastewater Utilities, Human Health Toxicology, Ecotoxicology, and Traditional Ecological.
SPARC serves in an advisory capacity and does not hold decision-making authority. This committee supports implementation of California’s Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap, which calls for a statewide transition to safer, more sustainable pest management practices.
We’re excited to welcome the inaugural SPARC members and look forward to working with them!
Announcements
The most recent SPARC announcements are below. For complete list of DPR announcements visit: News & Announcements.
April 2, 2026 | News
DPR Opens Nominations for New Scientific Advisory Committee on Pesticide Prioritization
October 14, 2025 | News
Comments Accepted through May 8 on DPR’s presentation for Pesticide Prioritization.
April 8, 2025 | News
DPR Pesticide Prioritization Workshop – Meeting Presentation Available
April 3, 2025 | News
Save the Date: DPR Pesticide Prioritization Workshop on April 8
February 11, 2025 | News
Meetings and Events
Use the search tool to access SPARC meetings. Click on a specific entry to view time and location details, including links to virtual meetings, and resources like agendas, meeting minutes, and supplemental materials.
Committee Documents
SPARC Documents
Charter: Details SPARC’s advisory role, governance structure, and term limits.
Roles and Responsibilities: Outlines SPARC’s objectives, goals, and the roles and responsibilities of both members and DPR.
Public Feedback
SPARC meetings will be open to the public and include opportunities for public comment.
Public Prioritization Workshop: In April 2025, DPR held a workshop to share our approach to developing a proposed pesticide prioritization process and structure for an advisory committee to inform this process.
Public Comments: Complete list of comments submitted:
DPR Summary of Public Feedback: A generalized summary of public input related to SPARC that DPR received after the April 2025 public workshop and through written feedback
For questions about SPARC, please email Prioritization@cdpr.ca.gov.
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Still have a Question or Need More Information?
Please contact us with questions or visit the Contact Us page on our website to connect with other programs at DPR.
Email: Prioritization@cdpr.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 445-4300