This week in California ag regulation
One item this week: a DPR-funded pilot testing steam as a pre-plant fumigation alternative in Santa Cruz County berry fields.
DPR funds $175,000 steam pilot as fumigant alternative in Pajaro Valley berries
DPR is funding a $175,000 pilot project led by the Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner to test steam injection as an alternative to pre-plant soil fumigation in berry fields near schools and other sensitive sites. Berry producers in the Pajaro Valley will begin testing starting Summer 2026, with research continuing into 2027.
Key date: August 18th: First community outreach meeting on the pilot project, 5:30 p.m., South County Government Center, Watsonville.