Regulatory Updates!
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Regulatory Updates!
The California Association of Pest Management Associations (CAPMA) is currently in a monitoring phase, observing developments at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) that could impact the pest management industry. The primary focus is on CDPR's efforts to increase funding and revenue sources.
CDPR has recently implemented three new funding sources. Firstly, the pesticide registration process now requires registrants to pay higher fees for registering their pesticides in California. Secondly, there has been a significant increase in licensing and certification fees, with some fees tripling. Thirdly, the mill assessment, approved by bill AB 2113, has been increased.
The increase in registration and licensing fees was directly proposed and implemented by CDPR to address funding shortfalls in these departments. According to CDPR, these departments have been severely underfunded, struggling to manage current workloads and future growth.
The increase in the mill assessment, however, has a more complex background. This funding source was approved through a combination of legislative and gubernatorial actions. The mill assessment, a fee charged to manufacturers, registrants, importers, or anyone who first sells or brings a pesticide product into the state, is set to increase from 21 mills ($0.021 per dollar of product value) to 30 mills ($0.030 per dollar) over the next few years. AB 2113 outlines the intended use of this additional revenue and sets time frames for department activities, including re-evaluations and the registration process.
While AB 2113 does not specifically mandate actions related to Sustainable Pest Management (SPM), it does define SPM and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in code, previously referred to under the UC definition of IPM. This bill could potentially be leveraged by CDPR or other groups to promote SPM through the requirements for product re-evaluation and the increased mill assessment.
CAPMA is vigilantly monitoring CDPR and its board for any actions that may require industry response. Although some agricultural sector actions do not directly impact the pest management industry, they are being closely watched to understand potential broader implications.
Darren Van Steenwyk, M.S., BCE
Regulatory Committee Chair — CAPMA
Sprague Pest Solutions, Regional Entomologist
+1 661-610-8725
dvansteenwyk@spraguepest.com
For more information, contact CAPMA at info@capma.org or 916-372-4363.
