CDFA OFFICE OF PESTICIDE CONSULTATION AND ANALYSIS HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL PUBLIC CONFERENCE

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SACRAMENTO, June 3, 2022 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is scheduled to host its second annual public conference for the Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis (OPCA), on June 28, 2022. The goal of the conference is to highlight the work of OPCA and the benefits the program has provided stakeholders so far.
 
OPCA provides consultation to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) with a focus on the economic analysis of potential pesticide regulatory impacts and pest management alternatives that may mitigate impacts on production agriculture in California. OPCA also offers several grant programs to further reduced risk pest management agricultural systems. OPCA is housed within the CDFA’s Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation.
 
The conference will provide OPCA's grant awardees the opportunity to discuss their grant-funded research projects, including the development and on-farm implementation of biological controls, mating disruption, and other reduced-risk pest management practices. Agricultural economists and OPCA scientists will also present research on a variety of topics including organic and integrated pest management practices, cost and return studies, and the tension between food safety and some alternative practices. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback throughout the meeting. California Department of Regulation Continuing Education (CE) credits have been requested for 3 hours. Secretary Ross will provide the conference’s introduction.
 
“This conference is an important opportunity for stakeholders and the general public to learn more about the work of our Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis,” said CDFA secretary Karen Ross. “This office and its grant programs support growers, promote biologically integrated practices, and help prepare California agriculture for future pest challenges.” 
 
The conference will also provide an overview of the history of OPCA, what OPCA does, summaries of recent regulatory reports, and overviews of OPCA’s grant programs.
 
•         WHEN: Tuesday, June 28, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
•         WHERE: The conference will take place virtually on Zoom. Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GSYU3RuYSCaITMFteEtsEQ
•         Additional details, including an agenda, are available online here.

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