On May 15, 2026, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) formally released a proposed regulation that aims to regulate pesticide-treated seeds planted in the state. This regulatory action by DPR is in response to a lawsuit settlement between DPR and environmental groups, requiring the state to develop and finalize a rule to label and track pesticide-treated seed use by Jan. 1, 2027. DPR’s proposed rule would create California-specific compliance obligations for pesticide-treated seed that go beyond the federal framework under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
The regulatory language proposes to:
- Expressly define pesticide-treated seed under California law.
- Restrict applications of pesticide-treated seed Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., depending on the distance from the treated area to a school site, the application equipment used and type of pesticide applied (restriction exemption for seeds planted below the soil surface).
- Specify when pesticide-treated seeds are exempt from California pesticide registration requirements.
- Require monthly use reporting of pesticide-treated seed planted in California.
Western Growers is actively engaged in the rule-making process and will submit formal comments to the Department.
Link to rule-making page: https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/proposed-regulation/dpr-26-001-pesticide-treated-seeds/.
Written comments must be received no later than June 29, 2026.
Link to public comment portal: https://cdpr.commentinput.com?id=HYKegrj3J.
