State and Sutter County Regulators Crack Down on Hemp Grower's Illegal Pesticide Use
Department of Pesticide Regulation orders destruction of hemp at 22 greenhouses found to contain illegal pesticide residue; Sutter County Ag Commissioner fines grower
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) today announced the destruction of hemp grown in 22 greenhouses following an investigation by the Sutter County Agricultural Commissioner (CAC) that found illegal pesticide residue on the product.
DPR coordinated with the Sutter CAC on an enforcement action to remove contaminated hemp from commercial channels before it reached consumers.
In May 2024, Sutter CAC investigators conducted a routine regulatory site inspection at greenhouses operated by Bin Zheng, located in Sutter County. The CAC investigation found evidence of improper pesticide use on hemp. Pesticide residue testing conducted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture laboratory found pesticide residue on hemp collected from 22 of the grower's greenhouses.
As a result of the findings from the investigation, DPR took enforcement action and reached a settlement agreement with the grower, who consented to voluntarily destroy hemp grown at all 22 greenhouses. This product could otherwise have been processed and sold to consumers. The hemp was destroyed by the grower, with oversight from DPR and the Sutter CAC, in July 2024.
Bin Zheng was additionally issued a Notice of Proposed Action (NOPA) and fined by the Sutter CAC for the application of a pesticide in conflict with the label requirements, which do not allow for the pesticide to be used on hemp.
"Our state's laws and regulations provide for safe and effective use of pest management tools," said DPR Director Julie Henderson. "Prompt, collaborative enforcement is critical to an effective pesticide regulatory program in California that protects people and the environment, and we appreciate the close coordination with the Sutter County Agricultural Commissioner on this action."
Before a pesticide can be legally used in California, including on hemp, it must be evaluated and registered first by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The pesticide must then be separately evaluated by DPR, which takes into account California conditions for adverse impacts to people and the environment. Pesticide registration includes evaluating on what crops or commodities a pesticide can be used safely.
"This action highlights the diligence of our inspectors in Sutter County and our continuous and committed work to enforce and implement California's robust pesticide regulatory program," said Sutter CAC, Lisa Herbert. "Safe pesticide use is critical to protecting people, the environment and supports our agricultural sector."
DPR and County Agricultural Commissioners each play a key role in enforcement of California's pesticide use laws and regulations that protect people and the environment. DPR and County Agricultural Commissioners enforce label requirements and use restrictions regarding which pesticides may be applied to all agricultural crops including hemp and cannabis products in the state. DPR has authority to seize and order destructions of a plant, crop or commodity that has been treated with a pesticide that is not registered for that use. Where a CAC investigation finds pesticide violations, the matter may be referred to DPR for further action as appropriate.
More information about cannabis and hemp can be found on DPR's website.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF PESTICIDE REGULATION
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation's mission is to protect human health and the environment. The department achieves this mission by fostering safer, sustainable pest management and operating a robust pesticide regulatory system. DPR's work includes registering all pesticides sold or used in California, conducting pre- and post-registration scientific evaluations of pesticides to assess and mitigate potential harm to human health or the environment for pesticides in the air and water, and enforcing pesticide use laws and regulations in coordination with 55 County Agriculture Commissioners and their 500 field inspectors.
DPR also conducts outreach to ensure pesticide workers, farmworkers and local communities have access to pesticide safety information. More information about DPR can be found on our website.
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