The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is extending through Oct. 30 the comment period for proposed regulations on four neonicotinoids.
Several ag groups requested the extension, citing “the complexity of multiple [active ingredients], diversity of commodities impacted and number of scientific studies,” along with a large volume of data to consider. The added time would “provide space for more quality feedback,” according to a letter from the trade groups. They added that the proposed measures could have significant impacts on the regulated community.
DPR is seeking to implement a list of proposed mitigation measures to limit the use of four pesticides — products with the active ingredients of imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, and dinotefuran — in California. The state says based on a reevaluation of the products, “additional mitigation measures are needed to protect pollinators from the use of the neonicotinoids in agricultural crops and is developing mitigation measures in the form of regulations.”
Producers and industry groups in the state worry further restrictions on neonics would be devastating to citrus, winegrape, and cotton growers.
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