While California used fewer fumigants and carcinogenic pesticides in 2013 than the previous year, total pesticide use by agriculture was up 3.7 percent, according to a report by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR).

Overall pesticide use was up 6.4 million pounds to 178 million pounds, according to the report.

Including other applications such as mosquito control, or pest protection in residential and commercial buildings, the overall amount of pesticides used in California in 2013 totaled 194 million pounds, an increase of 6.9 million pounds from 2012. 

“Information is a key ingredient in a vigorous regulatory program to protect human health and the environment,” said California DPR Director Brian Leahy.

“The data shows California is reducing the use of some of the most toxic pesticides, but continuing to control pests that, if unchecked, would cause disease, threaten public health and affect our food supply.”

Most notable for agriculture was action taken in late 2014 by DPR to make the active ingredient Chlorpyrifos a restricted use pesticide. Chlorpyrifos is used to control pests that threaten more than 60 different crops, including alfalfa, walnuts, oranges, cotton and grapes.

The official ruling takes effect July 1.

According to the report, the use of cholinesterase inhibiting pesticides including organophosphates increased by 479,000 pounds (an increase of 5.1 percent). Most of the increase was with the insecticide Chlorpyrifos.

If misused, pesticides can be harmful. To combat the potential for harmful impacts, DPR has developed the most comprehensive and protective regulatory program in the nation to protect people and the environment.

Reductions noted

The 2013 report shows the following reductions, compared to the previous year:

California produces nearly half of American grown fruits, nuts and vegetables, and depending upon pest problems, weather, acreage and other factors, the amount of pesticides use varies from year to year, according to DPR.

Certain pesticides contributed to this overall increase:

 “I believe the Pesticide Use Report is the best of its kind in the world and is produced for regulators and researchers to help them understand how pesticide use impacts human health and the environment,” Leahy said.

More 2013 pesticide use data can be found at http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pur/pur13rep/13_pur.htm