An annual report from California Department of Pesticide Regulation shows an overall decrease in pesticides that pose higher risks to human and environmental health over the past 10 years.

However, there was a small increase in pesticide use between 2023 and 2024.

In total, 179 million pounds of pesticides were used in 2024, a 2% increase from 2023. Cumulative acres treated totaled 102 million in 2024, a 4% increase from 2023. Some fields are treated more than once.

Over the past 10 years:

• Use of pesticides regulated as carcinogens decreased by 28%.
• Cholinesterase inhibitors use decreased by 43%.
• Fumigants use decreased by 26%.
• Use of pesticides regulated as groundwater contaminants decreased by 78%.
• Use of pesticides regulated as reproductive toxins decreased by 38%.
• Use of pesticides regulated as toxic air contaminants decreased by 29%.

The region with the highest pesticide use is the San Joaquin Valley, with the top five counties being Fresno, Kern, Tulare, San Joaquin and Monterey.

Source: Agri-Pulse