Hector Barajas

California’s agricultural sector, vital to the nation’s food supply, is under siege from invasive pests and diseases that threaten crops, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Effective pest management is essential, as pests like the varroa destructor mites and Mediterranean fruit flies cause billions in annual losses. While pesticides are crucial in combating these threats, the lengthy and costly approval process hinders timely responses. Balancing traditional and new pest control methods, guided by scientific evidence, is key to maintaining agricultural resilience, food security, and environmental health.