State pesticide regulators have drafted a new rule that will ban the application of any pesticide within a quarter mile of public schools and licensed day care centers by air, air blast sprayer, or sprinkler chemigation during weekday school hours. It will also apply to the use of any powder/dust formulations and any field or postharvest fumigation. The rule also proposes to require annual and advance notification for most pesticides to be applied within the regulated zones.
Almond Board of California (ABC) Director of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs Dr. Gabriele Ludwig said the new school rule will significantly impact almond growers’ ability to make timely pesticide applications, since the majority of their crop protection applications are by air blast sprayer. The ban would also impact any almond huller/sheller or handling facility using fumigants if it is located adjacent to schools or day care centers.
Limited Days and Times
As of September 2017, the draft rules by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation will eliminate most pesticide applications to agricultural fields within a quarter-mile of K-12 school facilities, day care centers and recreational areas from Monday through Friday between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. DPR is assuming the impact to agriculture would be minimal, since growers could apply pest control tools between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
In addition, beginning in January 2018, growers would be required to notify school and daycare administrators 48 hours prior to applications, detailing the pesticide and active ingredient being applied within the buffer zone as well as details on the timing of the application, number of acres, and exact location(s) to be treated. An annual notification that lists all pesticides to be used during the upcoming year and similar details will also be required.
Up to 50,000 Almond Acres Affected
Based on an ABC-funded analysis, between 20,000 and 50,000 acres of almonds (730 to 2,500 orchards) would be affected by the rule, depending on the outer boundary of the school property.
The draft will be open for public comment until Dec. 9. Growers and other stakeholders are encouraged to submit comments, sign petitions and to attend one of three public hearings scheduled by DPR at the following locations:
Oxnard, Nov. 15
Oxnard Performing Arts and Convention Center, Oxnard Room
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, 6 p.m.
Tulare, Nov. 16
Tulare Veterans Memorial Building,
1771 E. Tulare Ave., Tulare, 6 p.m.
Salinas, Dec. 1
Salinas Sports Complex, Exhibition Mall,
1034 N. Main Street, Salinas, 6 p.m.
Further information and a copy of the full regulations can be found here.
