An industry report released Thursday indicates the Newsom administration’s plan for eliminating certain controversial pesticides by 2050, known as Sustainable Pest Management, could have significant implications for lettuce.
Restricting pyrethroids, neonicotinoids and other key pest control tools would cut lettuce production more than 7%, with annual losses surpassing $160 million and costs to consumers at nearly $700 million. The subsequent and sizable shift in production to Arizona, Mexico and other regions would further increase production costs and consumer prices, according to the study.
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The economists also analyzed the impacts of existing delays in registering pesticides at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. They calculate lettuce growers are losing nearly $43 million every year, while costing consumers nearly $140 million.
A coalition of farm groups called Californians for Smart Pesticide Policy funded the study.
