California Mirrors Florida Trend in Pesticide Use
Pesticide use increased in most areas of the central San Joaquin Valley during 2004, as farmers applied a mixture of conventional and less toxic methods of controlling arthropod pests, diseases, and weeds. A state report released in late January was cited as showing that Fresno County remained the No. 1 user of pesticides in the state, applying 29.4 million pounds of chemicals in 2004, up eight percent from the previous year. Pesticide use rose 13 percent in Kings County and Tulare County, but fell by one percent in Madera County. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation's annual report was cited as saying that statewide, pesticide use rose about three percent, up from 175 million pounds in 2003 to 180 million pounds in 2004. State and county officials said that while overall use is up, part of it can be attributed to what some refer to as nature friendly chemicals. More than half of the 5 million pound increase comes from two chemicals commonly used by organic growers: sulfur and oils. Sulfur - a natural pesticide used to fight plant diseases and mites - was the No. 1 chemical used in Fresno County. More than 13 million pounds were applied in 2004.
Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner Jerry Prieto Jr. was quoted as saying, "We are seeing a lot more use of pesticides that are non-toxic. And I think there is a growing recognition of that." Prieto said certain countries also require the use of safer chemicals before accepting imported California fruit. Department of Pesticide Regulation director Mary Ann Warmerdam was cited as saying the growing use of safer chemicals coincides with her efforts to push less toxic methods of controlling pests, adding, "This is just another indication that we are moving in the right direction." (The Fresno Bee, 1/25/06).
Editor’s Note: Looking at similar Florida data, sulfur and oil comprise a very large percentage of Florida pesticide use as well.
