The agricultural industry in California and other states relies heavily upon chemical pesticides for a range of high-value crops to control pests, such as insects, weeds, and other problems. Many of these pesticides contain toxic active ingredients which evaporate into the air, seep into the soil and groundwater, or remain as residue on crops. In California, this usage is pervasive; in 2022 more than 160 million pounds of pesticide active ingredients were applied to land in California for agricultural purposes. Farm workers, residents near or around farms, and consumers are all at risk of being exposed to pesticides.

This new report calls for urgent reforms to California’s pesticide regulatory system, including stronger oversight of chemical mixtures and new legislative action to address cumulative health and environmental risks.

Here we identify and evaluate several regulatory approaches for addressing cumulative exposures associated with the use of pesticides in agriculture. The report recommends a path forward for addressing cumulative exposures under existing law, with emphasis on pesticide registration at the state level and permitting at the county level. The recommendations provide a conceptual roadmap for state agencies and stakeholders, acknowledging that resolution of numerous specific scientific, technical, institutional and funding issues must be addressed in implementing the roadmap.

Download the report.