Grape growers oppose new pesticide rules

Bill Swindell, THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
The California Association of Winegrape Growers has joined with more than 45 other agricultural groups to oppose new rules on the use of pesticides around schools.
The Department of Pesticide Regulation is gathering input on new requirements for pesticide use near school campuses, specifically looking at how to improve notification to schools and reduce the exposure risk by placing new restrictions on applications.
“When the facts are considered it is evident that clear, significant protections are in place to assure pesticides registered in California are used safely and effectively. DPR has historically deployed the best science to develop regulations governing pesticides in California,” the groups wrote in a July 31 letter. “It is also clear from follow up monitoring and evaluation performed by DPR that regulations are successful in protecting public health and the environment.”
The department in its notice said it was undergoing the rulemaking based on feedback from many stakeholder groups.
Source: Viticulture briefs | The Press Democrat