Grower-led coalitions were formed in the Central Valley of California, USA, to address concerns over pesticide levels in surface waters that exceeded state-defined water quality objectives.  Central Valley watershed coalitions, working with registrants and state regulatory officials, were responsible for identifying sources of farm inputs in surface water, educating growers, and developing and encouraging adoption of BMPs should their practices lead to impairments of water quality.  Multiple education and outreach initiatives were employed including mitigation research, brochures on Best Management Practices, direct mailings, and grower meetings.  The most effective strategy has been targeted, on-farm inspections with growers, applicators, and/or advisors to identify and develop site-specific mitigation measures.  Over ten years of BMP research and stakeholder outreach and education have resulted in significant reductions in surface water exceedances in many watersheds based on historical trend analyses.

Grower-based coalitions improve surface water quality through pesticide education and outreach

248th National Meeting (2014)

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