Pesticide Use Declines In California

Pesticide use declined in California for a third consecutive year in 2008, says Department of Pesticide Regulation Director Mary-Ann Warmerdam.

Approximately 162 million pounds of reported pesticides were applied statewide, a decrease of nearly 10 million pounds — or 6 percent — from 2007.

Pesticide use in production agriculture fell by 9.6 million pounds and in most other categories as well, including structural pest control and landscape maintenance, the annual report issued Thursday says. Reports are mandatory for agricultural and pest control business applications, while most home, industrial and institutional uses are exempt.

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