Study: Farmers’ use of higher-risk pesticides declining in California
California farmers’ use of higher-risk pesticides is on the decline, a new study shows. The state’s agricultural pesticide use dropped in both pounds applied and acres treated between 2021 and 2022, with the 5% overall decline reflecting a decade-long trend, according to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s annual pesticide use report this month. As pesticide use has dropped over a decade, the report noted, California has seen a 77% decrease in groundwater contaminants and a 21% drop in toxic air contaminants.
Judge temporarily halts state groundwater enforcement in Kings County
A judge has temporarily blocked state enforcement actions affecting Kings County growers who faced potential state groundwater extraction fees and an order to install water meters to report annual pumping. The California State Water Resources Control Board on April 16 placed the Tulare Lake Subbasin on probation for failing to correct deficiencies in a regional plan to protect groundwater supplies. Kings County Superior Court Judge Kathy Ciuffini issued a temporary restraining order halting state water board orders. A hearing is set for Aug. 20.
Farmers turn to soil sensors to guide irrigation decisions
Water conservation agencies and University of California Cooperative Extension farm advisors are advocating adding soil-moisture sensors to create precision irrigation management in drought-prone California agricultural areas. They say the technology has come a long way in the past 50 years and continues to evolve with Wi-Fi connectivity and digital readings. Currently, the Ventura County Resource Conservation District is making the technology available for regional avocado, strawberry and vegetable growers under a state grant program.
California growers applaud decision to continue tariffs on Spanish olives
U.S. antidumping and countervailing duties on Spanish ripe olives will remain in place, the U.S. International Trade Commission has determined. In a five-year review, the commission voted unanimously last week to keep the tariffs, first imposed in 2018. It said revoking them would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury. California table olive growers praised the vote. For years, they have argued that Spain’s highly subsidized olives are sold into the U.S. at artificially low prices, flooding the U.S. market and undercutting domestic producers.
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