Announcements

Citrus Quarantine Expanded in Valley Center (March 2025)

  • The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has confirmed detections of the citrus disease HLB in two trees in two residential properties in Valley Center on March 26, 2025. The new quarantine area will expand the existing Valley Center quarantine boundaries further into Pala and Pauma Valley, in addition to ongoing quarantines in Fallbrook, Rancho Bernardo, and Oceanside. 

SprayDays California Pesticide Notifcation System Launches March 24, 2025

On March 24, SprayDays California launched statewide. The first-of-its-kind system provides info about specific pesticide applications used on farms before they happen. To learn more, check out CDPR's website or these resources: 

Pesticide Container Recycling Event

AWM's Pesticide Regulation Program is hosting a free Pesticide Container Recycling Event on Saturday, March 22. Please see this flyer (Español) to learn more.

Climate Extremes Relief Funding

The Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) is receiving applications for the California Underserved and Small Producer (CUSP) Extreme Weather program from March 1-April 1, 2025. Grants for farmers are up to $20,000 and are reimbursement-based, meaning the funds can cover costs that have already been spent during a disaster or extreme weather event.

New Information for Snail Compliance Agreements

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) updated its Snail Free Master Permit (SFMP) Program compliance agreements. Please see the advisory to learn more.

Food Justice Community Action Plan

The County is developing a Food Justice Community Action Plan (FJCAP) to increase food security throughout the region, and we want to hear from you!

US EPA Update on Dacthal Herbicide Health Risks

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) issued a press release on April 1, 2024, announcing that it will take regulatory action on the herbicide Dacthal because of its significant risks to human health. 

No Dacthal use has been reported in San Diego County since 2021. The only pesticide registered for use in California is Dacthal Flowable Herbicide/AMVAC Chemical Corporation (EPA Reg. No. 5481-487, Caution) with dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA) as the active ingredient.

Dacthal is used primarily for weed control on brassica, melons, turf, collard greens, mustard greens, turnips, horseradish, kale, nursery stock, sweet potatoes, and strawberries.

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) has provided information to growers and Pest Control Advisors regarding the US EPA’s press release, Dacthal use in California, and alternative pest control methods.

To learn more, please review CDPR's notice or contact cdprweb@cdpr.ca.gov.

Desert Knapweed (Volutaria) Information

A handout with info about Volutaria is now available on AWM's Integrated Pest Control (IPC) webpage.

Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) and Huanglongbing (HLB) Information

Find the most up-to-date info for growers and residents on our Citrus Quarantine Program page.

California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) Adopts New Regulation for Agricultural Pesticides Use Near Schools and Child Day-Care Facilities

Nursery License Renewal Late Fees

AWM would like to share some info from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) on nursery license fees on how to avoid a late payment charge when renewing your nursery license.

CDFA Guidance on Nursery License Registration Late Fees

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Dairy Cows

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has confirmed the positive detection of HPAI in a total of 17 dairies in the Central California. With HPAI detected in other dairies throughout the U.S., AWM has been engaged with CDFA as well as local farms and ranches, veterinarians, and other agencies to develop response plans and monitor for HPAI in poultry and livestock in the region.

Learn more and stay up to date on CDFA's HPAI webpage.