UC Davis agricultural economists have punched the numbers on the potential impacts of neonicotinoid regulations in the works at the Department of Pesticide Regulation. They found “significant economic and pest management impacts” for some crops.
Selecting the top six crops based on use, the researchers showed the total cost to growers would exceed $13 million a year. Processed tomatoes are the most vulnerable, with treatment costs rising as much as 186%. Winegrape growers could see a 74% increase in expenditures.
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Aside from the financial impact, the loss of imidacloprid in combating citrus greening would “jeopardize the entire industry,” they write.
The regulations, designed to protect pollinators, will take effect in January.
