Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from pesticide applications increased in several critical air quality regions in 2010 after two years of decline.

Due to sheer acreage, almonds are significant users of seven of the top-10 emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulation pesticides that contribute to VOCs in the San Joaquin Valley, including chlorpyrifos, bifenthrin, abamectin and oxyfluorfen. DPR plans to take additional steps to regulate high-VOC-emitting formulations, possibly requiring the use of more expensive, alternative non-VOC formulations in non-attainment areas.