Sales of the Pesticide Chlorpyrifos to End in California by February 2020
On October 9, the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) and the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) announced that the sale of the pesticide chlorpyrifos will end in California by February 6, 2020. Farmers will no longer be allowed to use or possess the product after December 31, 2020.
The announcement follows an agreement between DPR and pesticide manufacturers to withdraw their products. Earlier in 2019, DPR moved to ban the pesticide by canceling the registration of chlorpyrifos.
CalEPA Secretary Jared Blumenfeld said in a statement, “This agreement avoids a protracted legal process while providing a clear timeline for California farmers as we look toward developing alternative pest management practices.”
DPR and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) are beginning meetings this month with a working group to review and recommend pest management alternatives to chlorpyrifos.
The state budget includes over $5 million for the research and development of alternatives through grants to be awarded by DPR and CDFA.
To read further details in a statement from CalEPA and DPR, click HERE.