The Fresno Bee

Groups working to curb pesticide use, dangers receive $1.4m

                             By Robert Rodriguez

                                The Fresno Bee

(Published February 7, 2001)

The state Department of Pesticide Regulation has awarded $1.4 million to agriculture organizations that are seeking ways to reduce pesticide risk and use.

Among the groups receiving funding are the Reedley-based California Tree Fruit Agreement and the California Citrus Research Board in Visalia.

The grants will be used to explore everything from using nonchemicals for pest control to finding ways of preventing pesticide drift.

"This year's grants reflect the diverse and creative spirit of pest management in California," saidDepartment of Pesticide Regulation Director Paul E. Helliker. "Our grant recipients represent abroad range of interests, from pear orchards on the North Coast to schools in the San Francisco Bay Area. ... Several of last year's grants are being renewed because their projects are delivering promising new solutions to pest problems."

The money is doled out in two ways: $835,000 in matching funds to 19 industry groups working on broader pesticide-related problems; and nine grants totaling $553,000 for specific pest problems.

Although the department would like to see fewer pesticides used, farmers are also under the gunfrom regulatory agencies that are banning and/or limiting certain chemicals, including methyl bromide.

Now more than ever, growers are looking at alternative techniques, such as integrated pest

management, that nurture beneficial organisms and the use of less toxic pesticides.

The California Tree Fruit Agreement's matching grant of $89,425 will further its multiyear research into developing an integrated pest management program for controlling major stone fruit pests.

Marilyn Dolan, a spokeswoman for the tree fruit agreement, said commercial orchards are used by researchers to test IPM methods. Successes are then shared and tried by other growers in their fields. "It has become a teaching tool for us," Dolan said.

The Almond Board of California also is employing IPM methods and will receive $100,000 from the state. It has test plots in Butte, Kern and Stanislaus counties. Mark Looker, administrator for the Almond Pest Management Alliance, said that although its research shows promise, it is too early to tell whether the softer practices can save growers money.

Aside from saving money, growers also find that softer chemicals or nonchemical alternatives have fewer stringent regulations, said Glenn Brank, a Department of Pesticide Regulation spokesman. "A grower may not have to sit down with an inch-thick set of regulations," Brank said.